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Gospel Reading for May 22, 2026 – John 21: 15-19
LOVING RELATIONSHIP
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
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Peter was distressed when Jesus asked him for the third time, “Do you love me?” It may have seemed as though Jesus was reminding him of his threefold denial before the cock crowed. But with Jesus, it was not meant to condemn Peter, but to reaffirm and strengthen him. In the Bible, the repetition of something three times signifies emphasis and fullness.
The mission Jesus entrusted to Peter—to become the first shepherd of the Church—was an immensely important responsibility. It would also be a difficult and demanding one, marked by suffering, persecution, sacrifice, and ultimately martyrdom. That is why a deep and unwavering love for Jesus was absolutely necessary. When we consider all that the apostles endured for the sake of the Gospel, we can better understand why Jesus asked Peter this question three times.
The same is true for us. Unless we truly love Jesus, it will be very difficult to follow him faithfully. We can easily give in to temptations and drift away from our relationship with God. This is why religion is important. It helps form and guide us into a LOVING RELATIONSHIP with God, because it is this relationship of love that sustains us throughout life, strengthens us in times of temptation, and keeps us close to him on our journey toward eternal life.
Lord Jesus, help us to love you more and more each day.
