Reflection for Easter 3 – Do you Love me?
And Peter said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jn 21:17b
It is one of the most poignant and finely drawn scenes in John’s gospel – the risen Christ appearing for the third time to the disciples who have been fishing futilely. Providing the miracle haul of fish for them, and then cooking the fish on the fire and giving it to them with bread.
“Come and have breakfast” the risen Christ says to them, with a mother’s insistence and a mother’s love.
And then the question to Simon Peter, son of John - asked three times - “Do you love me”
It can’t be a coincidence, can it? Meeting with the disciples after the resurrection three times. Asking the same question of Simon Peter three times?
After all, Simon Peter had denied knowing Jesus on the night of the arrest three times.
Three by three by three…….
When we are betrayed and let down by someone we love. When we are abused by someone who says they love us. When we let down someone we love. When the hurt and guilt stymie us from moving on.
And yet, Christ offers redemption to Simon Peter – for each betrayal of Jesus there is a response from Simon of love – a healing offered every single time. A release of the burdens for Simon Peter and a call to go out and love and free others from their burdens.
“Follow me”, says the risen Christ, to Simon Peter and to us all.
Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Easter:
Christ our friend, you ask for our love in spite of our betrayal: give us courage to embrace forgiveness, to know you again, and to trust ourselves in you. Amen.
Blessings
Ceri
