Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 17, 2024

Date:   Friday of the 7th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered 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 distressed that he had said to him a 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. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today is from the final chapter of the Gospel of John. Jesus’ exchange with Peter in this text represents Jesus’ gift to Peter the opportunity to reorient himself to Christ after his triple denial of knowing Jesus. It also establishes Peter’s role as the primary shepherd of the flock, shepherd of the faithful, post Jesus’ ascension. As such, Peter is given the commands to “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” In terms of leading the faithful, these are equivalent to “teach,” “govern,” and “sanctify.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How do I respond to Jesus’ invitation to reorient myself to Him? Do I take advantage of the opportunity? Do I turn and return Him after I have strayed?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, I do believe. Help my unbelief. I do love; help me in loving as You love. Send the Spirit to fortify my faith, to deepen my hope, and to intensify my love so that I may follow in your footsteps as You lead me on this journey home to the Father, home to union with You, home to myself. Amen.