Good afternoon,
" When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
' Simon , son of John, do you love me more than these ? '
' Yes Lord ', he said, ' You know I love you .'
Jesus said, ' Feed my lambs. '
Again Jesus said, ' Simon, son John , do you love me ? '
Simon answered, ' Yes Lord, you know that I love you .'
Jesus said, ' Take care of my sheep .'
The third time he asked him, ' Simon, , son of John, do you love me ?
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, ' Do you love me ? '
He said, ' You know all these things , you know that I love you.'
Jesus said, ' Feed my sheep. '
John 15: 15-17
This is a story after the Resurrection and before Jesus goes back to heaven. And it happens just after a meal. I find it good that the disciples and Jesus are eating so much. They eat after the big catch of fish, at the dinner at Emmaus, the Last supper , and here again near the end of John's gospel. A resurrected man needs to eat . I wonder if one of the disciples was the chief cook, or maybe it was one of the women who came form Galilee, or maybe it was Jesus. Eating together is good, and we are feeling that right now because we cannot eat together.
Jesus asks his good friend if he loves him, three times . By the third time , Peter gets annoyed. Jesus asks Peter three times because Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. This meal happened a few weeks after Peter's denial. Peter must have felt bad at what he did and said, but he now sees the resurrected Jesus, and he believes in the story. He does love Jesus, but Jesus asks him three times, so Peter might learn a lesson ? Maybe he wants the other disciples to hear the transformation of Peter. Jesus wants them to know that Peter will provide leadership after he leaves.
After we get on the other side of the pandemic, what kind of leader will I be ? It should be as transforming to me, as Peter. He was overwhelmed by the arrest, death and resurrection of Jesus, just as I am overwhelmed living through this pandemic. Pray for me to be open to a new reality in Christ Jesus, as we continue to live through this, together.
Poem by Mary Oliver ( ( 1935-2019 )
The Gift
Be still, my soul , and steadfast.
Earth and heaven both are still watching
through time is draining from the clock
and your walk, that was confident and quick,
has become slow.
So, be slow if you must, but let
the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.
That the gift has been given.
Shalom and strength for your life and faith.
Fred
Ponder Anew 