BEADS OF JOY 05-18-18
“Do You Love Me?”
©2018 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Today’s Gospel: John 21:15-19 (Jesus Reinstates Peter)
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to 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 grieved because he said to him the 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. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me.”
Reflection:
Three times?? Interesting isn’t it. So, I ask you: Do you love Jesus? It's an honest question. Please feel free to take the time you need to answer to yourself or out-loud, even if you are alone while reading this. …Do you love Jesus? And so, I continue, yes, I do -let us not evade the question. You might say, “Well, I respect him… I admire him a lot, He was an incredible man I learned about historically.” Wait a minute, Jesus didn't ask Peter if he respected him or admired him. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. …Hey, I didn’t forget …Do you love Jesus? Well do yay??? Why would anyone ask this same question over and over again?
I think it’s a little bit obvious. If you were to ask the person you were seriously spending time with, if they loved you, wouldn’t you want a straight forward solid honest answer? And if you were to ask this, three times to that person, wouldn’t you want their answer to be clearly said and absolutely understood? By the time Peter answered the third time, he said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Clarity indeed. How much do we really love Jesus? It is God’s healing love that transforms our lives and frees us from so much. But honestly how compelled are you to give all you have, and all you possess, to Jesus. I’m serious, how compelled are we? We’re talking about our treasures, our gifts, our time, and of cause our resources and definitely our allegiance and our very life… Are you willing to sacrifice everything and forego your own selfish goals and put Jesus first? Always! Wow, huge price wouldn’t you say? I never did hear your answer. That’s ok, Jesus needs to hear you, not me.
It is also said, in my research, that the three times Peter says “I love you” to Jesus was in preparation of the three times Peter would deny knowing Jesus.
Jesus Christ Implores Peter
To "Feed My Sheep"
Pondering these thoughts today: Is your pride your greatest asset? Hmm, odd question wouldn’t you say? Ok, how about this instead, “Do you allow God to love you, and even transform you into a life that serves and loves Him?” You know it’s our own selfish pride and selfishness that don’t allow God to be the center of our lives. Or are we too busy -focused so heavily upon ourselves, our accomplishments and gloating about how incredible we really are? We all need God’s love, it is His love that will quench our desire for love, acceptance and contentment in this life. But we must first put Him first. Always in everything…
LOVE YOU GUYS !!!!
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Today is Friday: We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries:
The Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony on the Garden (Sorrow for sin) –Matt 26:36-46
2. Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) –Mark 15:1-16
3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral Courage) –Matt 27:27-31
4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience) –Mark 15:20-22
5. The Crucifixion (Perseverance) –Luke 23:33-46
Thank you Lord for loving us so much…
Rosary Man Jim’s Sorrowful Reflection: http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sorrowful-mysteries_11.html
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