Expecting the Paraclete at Pentecost

Acts 25:13-21, Jn 21:15-19. In moments of fear and crisis we can easily fall short of our best. This happened to Peter in today's Gospel. On the night when Jesus was arrested, Peter rashly denied Jesus three times in the courtyard of the High Priest. Months later, when Peter was back earning his living as a fisherman, the risen Jesus appeared to him by the lakeshore and three times asked him to renew his love and commitment: “Do you love me?” Peter was no longer the impulsive, boastful man he once had been, for after his denial during the passion he tasted a flood of remorse. He had returned to the work he knew best, sobered by failure, to get on with his life, now with more awareness of his limits. Knowing his own weakness he had learned compassion for others and became the right man to lead the followers of Christ.

Three times Peter had denied having anything to do with Jesus. Now, Jesus gives him the chance to make amends by asking him three times: “Do you love me?” The question was not, “How could you have let me down?” but “Do you love me?” It points to the present, not the past . The past was then; it is now that counts. It is only by this renewal: “Lord, you know I love you,” that he is called to be a pastor: “Feed my sheep.” This vocation led Peter to a wider field of mission, bringing the message of Jesus first to Joppa , Antioch and later to Rome. Generosity and openness to the Holy Spirit became the hallmark of his ministry and that of Paul as recorded in today's first reading. Our love may be little, imperfect and far from what Jesus expected of us. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to express this love even in the face of trial and persecution as He guides Paul through his trial.

May the Lord be with us always throughout this journey of faith, help us in our way to salvation, that we may remain firm and faithful, filled with conviction and dedication to serve God with all our hearts despite the challenges and trials we may face along our journey! Amen!! Keep safe, it is well with you!!!