Eastertide Day 48 Friday June 6 2025
John 21: 15-19 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 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.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
In this passage, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and shares a deeply personal moment with Peter. He asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” This threefold question echoes Peter’s three denials, offering a powerful message of forgiveness, restoration, and renewed mission. Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His followers, symbolizing the call for all believers to tend to one another with love and faithfulness.
During Eastertide, this passage invites us to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s love. Despite our failures and doubts, Jesus meets us with mercy and calls us back to a life of love and service. It is a reminder that our relationship with Christ is not defined by our shortcomings but by His grace and the ongoing invitation to follow Him.
As we journey through Eastertide, let us embrace this call to love boldly, to forgive generously, and to serve humbly, trusting in the risen Christ who strengthens and renews us daily.
Prayer: Risen Lord Jesus, You know my heart and my failings, yet you ask me, “Do you love me?”
In your mercy, you forgive and restore me, calling me to follow you anew.
Help me to respond with a sincere and steadfast love,
To care for those you entrust to me with compassion and faithfulness.
Strengthen me by your Spirit to live as a witness of your resurrection,
To love boldly and serve humbly in your name.
May your grace transform my life and my heart,
That I may always walk in your light and share your peace with others.
Amen.