One quick update before we get to today’s reflection.  In the interest of streamlining and simplifying these reflections on Facebook, starting tomorrow, they will not be posted on the St. Robert Bellarmine-Chicago Facebook page.  You can continue to find them on the following Facebook pages: Bill Frere (Deacon Bill), Mary Undoer of Knots Parish and on Deacons of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

 

Friday – 7th Week of Easter

Gospel – John 21:15-19

Reconciliation Three-Peat

Peter Primacy, Sea of Galilee

As Jesus appears to the disciples for almost the last time before His Ascension, He asks Peter “Do you love me?”  Not once, but 3 times!  A bit of overkill??  Maybe not!  Most scripture scholars suggest that these 3 statements of faith are meant to balance out Peter’s 3 denials of Jesus on Holy Thursday night.  Still, it seems a bit odd.  If this was a conversation between a parent and a child or a teenager, you can picture the child slowly getting annoyed. I answered you once; how many times do I have to say it!  Even Peter gets a bit distressed.

Bu this moment shouldn’t make us annoyed; it gives us hope!  It tells us that every single time we falter, every time we act sinfully, God also gives us an opportunity to make things right.  Every time I act like there is no God, no golden rule, then God is still there providing us an opportunity to return to His grace.  At every moment in our life, God offers us a chance at reconciliation! 

But words are just the first step.  Reconciliation also involves action.  Jesus challenges Peter to show his love by caring for others.  Feed my lambs; feed my sheep.  It is not enough to say I love you; put those words into action! 

Every day we are given the chance to reconcile with the Father, to reunite with Him in love and friendship.  And every day we are given so many chances to act on those words of love, to restore our relationship with God and with each other.

 

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