Dear Parish Family of Holy Trinity,
The Joy of our Risen Christ be with you!
In the Gospel reading this past Sunday, Jesus asked Peter three times - “Do you love me?” A reader of this Gospel would remember from a previous chapter that Peter had just denied that he even knew Jesus three times, certainly calling his love into question.
Jesus’ questions might at first seem like a “back at ya” kind of thing. But proving himself to be right wasn’t Jesus’ intent. Jesus knew that Peter loved him. But Jesus still wanted to teach Peter that love is expressed in action. That’s why Jesus commanded Peter after each positive response to “Feed my lambs… tend my sheep… feed my sheep”.
Each and every time we hear the words of Jesus, we should remember that His words are also coming to us. So, put yourself in the place of Peter. You’ve denied Jesus at least three times, by acting like you didn’t know him. We call that kind of denial, sin. And we know that through Confession, both personal and Sacramental, we are forgiven of our sins. But when asked by Jesus – “Do you love me?” what does your answer look like?
My friends in Christ, your own personal relationship with Jesus starts with such a question. Do you love Jesus? And how does loving Jesus look like for you?
Hopefully, loving Jesus looks like loving your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even your enemy. Hopefully you are showing your love by taking care of them, being there for them, sacrificing your pride or your time for them, forgiving them, helping them, and encouraging them.
This way of deeply loving relationships is the way of Christ, and the way of Christians. If you call yourself a Christian, you can’t be in denial of this truth. Instead you have to proclaim it by living it.
So, how are you going to show your love for Jesus this week?
On behalf of Fr. John, Deacon Randy and our Staff, have a joyful Easter Season!
In Christ,
Fr. Reynold Furrell
Pastor
