Our journey of faith with love

Acts 25:13-21; Psalm: 102; Jn 21:15-19

Dear friends in Christ, today’s first reading introduces us to the Apostle Paul, who stands before the Roman governor Festus. Today’s gospel reading recounts the poignant moment when Jesus reinstates Peter after the resurrection. Together, these passages invite us to consider our own journey of faith, our purpose, and the transformative power of love. In Acts, we witness Paul, a man filled with conviction, standing firm in his faith amidst a hostile environment. He is a prisoner yet incredibly free. His unwavering commitment to the gospel shines as he boldly shares his testimony. Paul’s situation may seem bleak, but it reminds us that our circumstances do not define our freedom. Instead, it is our faith and our response to God’s calling that shape our lives.

Now let us turn to John’s Gospel, where we find the resurrected Jesus asking Peter a seemingly simple question: “Do you love me?” Three times, Jesus asks Peter this, and with each question, He calls Peter to feed His sheep. This is not just about Peter; it is a message to all of us. Jesus is inviting Peter, and by extension all of us, to reflect on our love for Him and what that love compels us to do in the world. When we think about love, it is essential to realize that love is active. It is not a passive emotion but a call to action. Jesus asks Peter to shepherd His flock, to care for others, and to spread the good news. In our own lives, we are also called to this mission. We are invited to reflect on how we live out our faith. Do we love God enough to feed His sheep? Do we take the time to serve others, to be present in our communities, to reach out to those in need?

As we reflect on these readings, let us consider the moments in our lives when we have felt like Paul, standing firm against opposition or doubt. Have we ever been questioned about our faith? Have we ever felt like our voice was silenced? In those moments, we must remember that like Paul, we are called to stand firm. We must speak the truth in love, even when it is challenging. And when we find ourselves in the position of Peter, perhaps after moments of failure or doubt, we are reminded that Jesus offers us grace. He invites us back into relationship with Him, no matter how far we may have strayed. Each time Jesus asks Peter about his love, He extends forgiveness and a chance for renewal. Friends, this week, I encourage you to reflect on these questions. How does your love for Jesus inspire you to act? In what ways can you feed His sheep? Let us be bold like Paul, fearless in sharing our faith, and let us be open to Christ’s call to love, trusting that He will guide us in the ways we should go. As we leave here today, may we carry the message of love into our daily lives. Let us remember that every act of kindness, every moment of compassion, is a reflection of our love for Jesus. Go forth and feed His sheep, for in doing so, we fulfill our purpose in this beautiful journey of faith.