He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (Gospel for May 4, Jn 21:17a)
When, following the Resurrection, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, why did he ask Peter three times whether he loved him? It has often been seen as a penance for Peter’s earlier threefold denial of Christ. But perhaps there’s something more — perhaps Jesus was pushing Peter to reflect more deeply on what it means to love him. Sometimes, we speak the words “I love you” by rote, without grasping their true meaning. May we always be mindful of what it means to truly love someone and to love as Christ taught us.
This month, I challenge you to identify one way you can demonstrate true love of God and neighbor. Then pray about how to concretely undertake that sacrificial act of love — and put it into action.
What does it mean for you to truly love Jesus? Do you know anyone — or is there a particular saint — who has shown you what true love looks like? What are some specific ways you can grow in your ability to truly love?