SAINT CHRISTOPHER MAGALLANES, PRIEST, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Simon, son of John, do you love me? 

You’ve probably had the experience during this Easter season of renewing your baptismal vows. This often takes place at the Easter Vigil, when the priest asks the congregation a series of questions, such as “Do you renounce sin?” and “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” The questions are meant to get us to look inside ourselves and resolve to remain in God’s grace and keep following the Lord.

When Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15, 16, 17), you could say he’s doing something similar. He’s not reprimanding Peter as much as giving him the chance to affirm his faith and commitment. Jesus doesn’t ask, “What about when you betrayed me? Have you really repented?” or “Are you sure you can do this?” Jesus already knows that Peter loves him. But he wants Peter to look inside himself and acknowledge that love. Jesus’ purpose becomes clear when he tells Peter, “Follow me” (21:19). He wants Peter, having reaffirmed his love for Jesus, to step out in faith and move forward with him.

Every day, Jesus invites you to proclaim your love for him. Perhaps not in question form, as he did with Peter, but maybe more as an inner prompting or to renew your commitment to him. It’s not because he doubts your love. It’s because he wants to strengthen you. He knows that it can be easy to feel burned out in the midst of a long day, and he wants to help you keep his grace in the forefront of your mind.

So be encouraged! Every day, make reaffirming your faith in Christ part of your morning routine. Take a few moments in your daily prayer to make a “morning offering.” Respond to Jesus with whatever comes to your heart: “Jesus, I love you! I trust in your promises. Today I want to recommit myself to you.” As you start the day proclaiming your desire to follow the Lord, it will make a difference in how you live as his follower in the world.

“Lord, you already know that I love you. Help me to recommit myself to you each day with my whole heart.”

Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
John 21:15-19

WORD AMONG US