Jesus tells Peter that if he loves him, he will feed his sheep. We use the word love in so many different ways in our modern world. It is interesting that two different Greeks words are used for love in this Gospel passage. Agape is a love that seeks the highest good of others, not coming out of our emotions, but rather out of our mind, our intellect, and our entire being. Agape love is a caring love that is intimately involved in the needs of the other person, a love that does not depend upon being reciprocated or being earned. Peter responds to Jesus with philia love, a brotherly love that is born out of a close friendship. Peter replies to Jesus that his loves him through the bond of a special friendship. Jesus calls us to a bond of love beyond the special closeness of friendship. As Jesus asks Peter to grow in his love, perhaps we should also grow in this love: in the way we love God and love others. Just like he told Peter, Jesus asks us to feed his lambs, tend his sheep, feed his sheep. There is always that one sheep out there who is lost or hurt or confused or lonely. May we on the behalf of the Lord look out for that Lord sheep.
Let us pray: Dear God—you love everyone you created. Help us to trust that your love is big enough for all people. Help us to remember that at different times you have rescued us too. Help us to rejoice when those who are lost find your love. Help us to find our identity in your life. Show us how to live and share your love with others. Amen.
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