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Gospel Reading for June 06, 2025 – John 21: 15-19
UNWILLINGNESS
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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Asking Peter three times does not mean he doubted Peter’s “yes.” It was to give emphasis, because if he is (if we are) to serve Jesus’ lambs very well, he needs (we need) to LOVE JESUS VERY MUCH. We all know how difficult it is to follow Jesus; how difficult it is to love our enemies and forgive those who persecute us; how difficult it is to understand those who refuse to accept Jesus; and to live the gospel values. But, if we truly love Jesus, with the help of the Holy Spirit it will not really be difficult. In life, what makes something difficult is our UNWILLINGNESS to do it.
Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit so that our love for you will always be on fire!
