Reflection
Simon Peter, Do You Love Me?
John 21
We are all pained by perceived misunderstanding or betrayal. The words and actions of others often touch into our spirits and deprive us of peace. The security of our relationship is shaken. The questions of Jesus to Peter, “Do you love me?” and then “Do you love me more than these?” are often interpreted as a test after Peter’s dismal failure. We certainly don’t know, but it would be interesting to reflect on whether Jesus sought recommitment in their relationship. It would be interesting to reflect on Peter’s dismay as that of a man who failed his friend but knew his own love in spite of his weakness? Sometimes it is helpful in the midst of our own struggles to remind ourselves that these gospel figures were real people living real lives with problems not unlike our own. Sometimes it is good to reflect that we may have over spiritualized very human people trying to live God centered lives.
Prayer
Lord, that I may see.
Action
Reflect on some o the gospel characters and their interactions and compare them to life as you experience it.
Suggested Reading
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
John 21:17
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
John 20:13
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
Mark 6:4
But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.
Luke 24:13-35
It’s strange how people hurt those who love and care about them and try to please those who don’t.
Anil Wadhawan
When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.
Donald Mille
Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain. People are irrational
Hugh Mackay
Traits like humility, courage, and empathy are easily overlooked – but it’s immensely important to find them in your closest relationships.
Laura Linney