Wednesday June 5, 2024

Today is Wednesday, June 5 and we are completing our study of the Gospel of John.

Holy and Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I come to this quiet space at the dawn of a new day and seek your presence. I quiet my mind, center my thoughts and slow my breath. As I inhale, I breathe in your love, joy and peace and as I exhale I release any negative thoughts, worries or concerns. Come, show me how to live the Resurrection life. Amen.

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 that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. That is exactly what happened. The night Jesus was arrested, he was taken to the high priest Caiaphas’ house for a hastily called late-night interrogation. When Peter entered the courtyard, the woman who guarded the gate asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. The Temple police were also there. Peter joined them as they gathered to warm themselves around a charcoal fire. They asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. Then one of the servants recognized him from the encounter in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples and he denied it. At that moment a rooster crowed (John 18:17-27). Now, after the Resurrection, Jesus comes to Peter.

Around one charcoal fire, Peter denied Jesus three times. Around another charcoal fire, Jesus asked Peter three questions. At a holy meal, Jesus served breakfast on the beach and restored Peter into right relationship. Peter let Jesus down. I let Jesus down too. I fail at being a faithful disciple, I miss the mark, I trespass where I should not go, and I fall short of living the way Jesus would want me to live. I prioritize other things above my relationship with Jesus. I pursue other interests, make idols of the things of this world and neglect to put Christ first in my life.

Peter first had to be restored in right relationship with Jesus and then he is sent out into the world to serve others. Jesus feeds Peter and the disciples on the beach, and then he sends Peter out to feed his followers. “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep,” he commands. Like Peter, I am sent to love, care for and feed others. As Christ has loved and nourished me, so in turn, I am to love and nourish others in his name. I consider where Jesus wants me to go to serve him today. Who needs his comfort and love?

Ask: What do I need to ask Jesus to forgive me for today? Where have I let him down and where does he want me to go?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I come humbly to the sacred meal you provide and kneel at your feet. I am aware of my sins and transgressions. You see all things and know my shortcomings and failures. In your mercy, I ask for forgiveness and restoration. Cleanse me of my sin, renew me in your love and give me a fresh start once again. Jesus, your love is unstoppable. Thank you that you won’t settle for separation, but come to find me, reveal yourself, invite me to dine, and give me countless opportunities to receive your grace. Thank you for loving me so much that you died for me. Restore me in your love. Amen.

Printer Friendly Version