Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Question 2, Page 58.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: How can we show love for God?
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus summarised the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) with these words: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15) and "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me" (John 14:21). A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. But a person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.
Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond?
My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end. How does the change from youth to later stages in life sit with me? How am I coping with this letting go of control, of being in charge as I was, or thought I was in my earlier life?
‘Do you love me?’ Peter is asked this question; I am asked this question too. Do I see the goodness in me that Jesus sees?
As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Is this an issue for me, focusing on my failures and unwilling or unable to accept that the Lord loves me as I am?
Do you ever wonder do you really love the Lord? Did Peter? In the end he had no proof – he just knew the Lord knew. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. When we wonder do we love God, we are better not answering, but just to offer the love of our hearts, imperfect as it is, and then we can say, ‘Lord you know I love you’. Leave the answer to him!
Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. He, who had heard Christ say that one must forgive seventy times seven, could not bring himself to ask Christ to forgive him. Instead, he died in despair.
Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Did Jesus at that moment indicate the boat, the tackle, the shoal of caught fish, the way of life that Peter knew and loved? Was this an invitation to a change of career? Or was the question: Do you love me more than these (the other disciples) do? After all, Peter had boasted: Though all desert you, I will never. This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
Peter must have wondered ‘Where do I stand now?’ ‘Am I still his number one?’ But Jesus shows him amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd.
Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for me. You remind me that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of me may I learn how to accept others who fail me.
Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community.
If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ how would I respond? Many women and men, down the ages, have given their lives for Christ. How would I feel if I were asked to do the same? Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
This is a scene to savour slowly. John's gospel summarises what was probably a long morning's conversation between Jesus and Peter. When I have made a fool of myself, I hate to be reminded of it. Jesus with his triple questioning is reminding Peter of his triple betrayal - the most painful memory imaginable - but he does it with delicacy. Peter loved Jesus before his cowardly betrayal of him; he loved him more deeply afterwards. It led not merely to Peter's emotional declaration of love, but to his confirmation as leader of the church. He can safely command because he is a sinner with no illusions about himself.
Many people repeat often in prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. It’s a humble prayer because often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be asked the question often, 'Do you love me?' it is not that Jesus doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love. Guided by St Ignatius, I might ask, 'What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do?'
Peter realises that he is being given increasing responsibility for the flock. How graciously do I accept growing responsibility?
I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” How do I answer? Am I afraid to say yes because of things I have done (or failed to do) during my life? I look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: “Lord”, he says, “you know that I love you”. Can I have the same confidence that Peter had?
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him. What do I want to say? Say it now as Jesus is listening to you.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
Painting by Robert Zund in 1877 - Emmaus
Picture posted by Marybeth Stafford on 26 August 2016
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How can we show love for God? Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond?
How can we show love for God? [1]
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus summarised the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) with these words: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
PHOTO: How can we show love for God?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
Artwork by Mabel Rollins Harris - Maiden By The Sea
Picture saved by Heather Curry to living room
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https://www.pinterest.es/pin/137430226103712732/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15) and "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me" (John 14:21). A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. But a person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
PHOTO: Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. A person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
Artwork by G. Bjorn Thorkelson
Picture posted by Pic for you - Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you
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http://cesupic.pw/Above-all-never-lose-faith-in-your-Father-in-Heaven-who.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. [34] If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.
PHOTO: Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding.
Picture posted by Painting Valley
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Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond? [3]
How does the change from youth to later stages in life sit with me? How am I coping with this letting go of control, of being in charge as I was, or thought I was in my earlier life? My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end.
PHOTO: My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end.
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‘Do you love me?’ Peter is asked this question; I am asked this question too. Do I see the goodness in me that Jesus sees?
As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Is this an issue for me, focusing on my failures and unwilling or unable to accept that the Lord loves me as I am?
PHOTO: As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Picture posted by Mary Barnes-Ekobena
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403283341605376902/
Do you ever wonder do you really love the Lord? Did Peter? In the end he had no proof – he just knew the Lord knew. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. When we wonder do we love God, we are better not answering, but just to offer the love of our hearts, imperfect as it is, and then we can say, ‘Lord you know I love you’. Leave the answer to him!
PHOTO: Shame was taken at the cross. No more poignant is the moment Jesus comes to Peter after the Resurrection, on the beach to affirm their relationship and three times takes the shame of three denials. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. We fail miserably, Jesus frees completely. We then can walk in His complete “Restoration.”
Picture posted by by Marybeth Stafford on 14 November 2013
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Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. He, who had heard Christ say that one must forgive seventy times seven, could not bring himself to ask Christ to forgive him. Instead, he died in despair.
Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
PHOTO: Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Never cease asking for forgiveness. We must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
Picture posted by Claret WestNg on 17 May 2018
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https://claretwestng.org/friday-seventh-week-easter-may-18-2018/
I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Did Jesus at that moment indicate the boat, the tackle, the shoal of caught fish, the way of life that Peter knew and loved? Was this an invitation to a change of career? Or was the question: Do you love me more than these (the other disciples) do? After all, Peter had boasted: Though all desert you, I will never. This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
PHOTO: I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
Picture posted by Daily Masses, homily for 18 May 2018
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https://dailymasses.blogspot.com/2018/05/do-you-love-me-dont-just-say-it-prove.html
Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
PHOTO: Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
Picture posted by Archdiocese of Malta on 28 February 2017
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https://church.mt/files/article/tissot-feed-my-lambs-495x737.148760148465.jpg
https://church.mt/the-gospel-of-the-day-28th-february-3/
PHOTO: What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
Artwork by Jeanette Sthamann
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https://fineartamerica.com/featured/give-it-all-back-to-you-jeanette-sthamann.html
Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
PHOTO: Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
Picture posted by Emanuel Franco Gomez and Daryl Moresco on 26 April 2016
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http://www.carmelites.net/blog/stations-resurrection-station-9-question-peter/
Peter must have wondered ‘Where do I stand now?’ ‘Am I still his number one?’ But Jesus shows him amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd.
Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for me. You remind me that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of me may I learn how to accept others who fail me.
Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community.
If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ how would I respond? Many women and men, down the ages, have given their lives for Christ. How would I feel if I were asked to do the same? Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
PHOTO: Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community. If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
Picture posted by Yang Qing on 23 July 2018
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https://www.findshepherd.com/give-peter-keys-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven.html
This is a scene to savour slowly. John's gospel summarises what was probably a long morning's conversation between Jesus and Peter. When I have made a fool of myself, I hate to be reminded of it. Jesus with his triple questioning is reminding Peter of his triple betrayal - the most painful memory imaginable - but he does it with delicacy. Peter loved Jesus before his cowardly betrayal of him; he loved him more deeply afterwards. It led not merely to Peter's emotional declaration of love, but to his confirmation as leader of the church. He can safely command because he is a sinner with no illusions about himself.
Many people repeat often in prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. It’s a humble prayer because often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be asked the question often, 'Do you love me?' it is not that Jesus doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love. Guided by St Ignatius, I might ask, 'What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do?'
Peter realises that he is being given increasing responsibility for the flock. How graciously do I accept growing responsibility?
PHOTO: Often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
Picture posted by Mark Sengele, Seeds of Faith - Peter Denies Jesus
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https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/2017/03/30/new-testament-4-lesson-5-peter-denies-jesus/
I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” How do I answer? Am I afraid to say yes because of things I have done (or failed to do) during my life? I look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: “Lord”, he says, “you know that I love you”. Can I have the same confidence that Peter had?
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him. What do I want to say? Say it now as Jesus is listening to you.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
PHOTO: I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
Picture saved by Kia Karne to 01
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that the central mark of a disciple of Christ is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself’. Please help us to have wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God, especially our sinful self which loves to sit on the heart’s throne, in our hearts.
Help us to hear and keep the commands of God because one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. We want our love for God to be growing which is demonstrate growing obedience.
Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. Help us to express our love by our submission and obedience to God.
Please give us the ability to believe we are forgiven as it is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
We put ourself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? We may boast like Peter did, and like Peter we also understand our lack of self-confidence about our wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for us. Despite our failings, please help us to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. When questioned regarding the extent of our love for Jesus, please help us to be able to answer ‘You know that I try to love you.’
We learn that Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’. Help us to be a good follower of Christ.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Help us to let go and accept help because it is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
We learn that Jesus shows Peter amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd. Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for us. You remind us that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of us may we learn how to accept others who fail us.
Lord, like Peter, we loved Jesus before our cowardly betrayal of him; but we loved him more deeply afterwards. Led us to follow Peter’s emotional declaration of love by the prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. We know that Jesus does not doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love.
Often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. We know that God looks into our heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. We are aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
We hear Jesus ask us the same question he asks Peter: ‘Do you love me?’ We are afraid to say yes because of things we have done (or failed to do) during our life. We look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: ‘Lord’, he says, ‘you know that I love you’. Help us to have the same confidence that Peter had.
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise. When Jesus ask me ‘Do you love me?’ I want to respond with: ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus may said to me, ‘Feed my lambs.’, ‘Feed my sheep.’, and ‘Follow me.’ Like Peter, help us to graciously accept the growing responsibility without hesitation.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Mary saved to Beautiful Paintings - EMILE MUNIER............
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[2] Sacred Space, John 21:15-19, Some thoughts on today's scripture, https://www.sacredspace.ie/scripture/john-2115-19-0
[34] Bell Hooks, All About Love: New Visions (New York: Harper Perennial, 2001), 4; Gary Chapman, Love Is a Verb: Stories of What Hapens When Love Comes Alive (Minneapolis, MN: Berhany House, 2009).
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
John 21:15-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A15-19&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: How can we show love for God?
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus summarised the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) with these words: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15) and "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me" (John 14:21). A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. But a person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.
Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond?
My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end. How does the change from youth to later stages in life sit with me? How am I coping with this letting go of control, of being in charge as I was, or thought I was in my earlier life?
‘Do you love me?’ Peter is asked this question; I am asked this question too. Do I see the goodness in me that Jesus sees?
As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Is this an issue for me, focusing on my failures and unwilling or unable to accept that the Lord loves me as I am?
Do you ever wonder do you really love the Lord? Did Peter? In the end he had no proof – he just knew the Lord knew. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. When we wonder do we love God, we are better not answering, but just to offer the love of our hearts, imperfect as it is, and then we can say, ‘Lord you know I love you’. Leave the answer to him!
Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. He, who had heard Christ say that one must forgive seventy times seven, could not bring himself to ask Christ to forgive him. Instead, he died in despair.
Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Did Jesus at that moment indicate the boat, the tackle, the shoal of caught fish, the way of life that Peter knew and loved? Was this an invitation to a change of career? Or was the question: Do you love me more than these (the other disciples) do? After all, Peter had boasted: Though all desert you, I will never. This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
Peter must have wondered ‘Where do I stand now?’ ‘Am I still his number one?’ But Jesus shows him amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd.
Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for me. You remind me that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of me may I learn how to accept others who fail me.
Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community.
If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ how would I respond? Many women and men, down the ages, have given their lives for Christ. How would I feel if I were asked to do the same? Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
This is a scene to savour slowly. John's gospel summarises what was probably a long morning's conversation between Jesus and Peter. When I have made a fool of myself, I hate to be reminded of it. Jesus with his triple questioning is reminding Peter of his triple betrayal - the most painful memory imaginable - but he does it with delicacy. Peter loved Jesus before his cowardly betrayal of him; he loved him more deeply afterwards. It led not merely to Peter's emotional declaration of love, but to his confirmation as leader of the church. He can safely command because he is a sinner with no illusions about himself.
Many people repeat often in prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. It’s a humble prayer because often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be asked the question often, 'Do you love me?' it is not that Jesus doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love. Guided by St Ignatius, I might ask, 'What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do?'
Peter realises that he is being given increasing responsibility for the flock. How graciously do I accept growing responsibility?
I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” How do I answer? Am I afraid to say yes because of things I have done (or failed to do) during my life? I look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: “Lord”, he says, “you know that I love you”. Can I have the same confidence that Peter had?
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him. What do I want to say? Say it now as Jesus is listening to you.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
Painting by Robert Zund in 1877 - Emmaus
Picture posted by Marybeth Stafford on 26 August 2016
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How can we show love for God? Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond?
How can we show love for God? [1]
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus summarised the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) with these words: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
PHOTO: How can we show love for God?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). This should be the central mark of a disciple of Christ.
Artwork by Mabel Rollins Harris - Maiden By The Sea
Picture saved by Heather Curry to living room
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https://www.pinterest.es/pin/137430226103712732/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15) and "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me" (John 14:21). A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. But a person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
PHOTO: Our love for God will be evidenced by wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God in our hearts. This includes the sinful self which loves to sit on the heart's throne. The one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. A person who does not obey God cannot claim to love God. A person whose love for God is growing will also demonstrate growing obedience.
Artwork by G. Bjorn Thorkelson
Picture posted by Pic for you - Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. [34] If we say we love God, it is best expressed in our submission and obedience to God.
PHOTO: Love is not just a sentimental feeling that we profess to God when we sing or worship. It is far deeper than that. Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding.
Picture posted by Painting Valley
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Imagine Jesus asking you the question He asked the apostle Peter three times: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-19). What is your answer? How do you think Jesus would respond? [3]
How does the change from youth to later stages in life sit with me? How am I coping with this letting go of control, of being in charge as I was, or thought I was in my earlier life? My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end.
PHOTO: My being loved does not depend on how loving I am. I am called to love, as Jesus loved - to the end.
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‘Do you love me?’ Peter is asked this question; I am asked this question too. Do I see the goodness in me that Jesus sees?
As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Is this an issue for me, focusing on my failures and unwilling or unable to accept that the Lord loves me as I am?
PHOTO: As Peter stands before Jesus it is reasonable to presume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand by and with his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his capacity to love, not on his failure. He does not admonish him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated, and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community.
Picture posted by Mary Barnes-Ekobena
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403283341605376902/
Do you ever wonder do you really love the Lord? Did Peter? In the end he had no proof – he just knew the Lord knew. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. When we wonder do we love God, we are better not answering, but just to offer the love of our hearts, imperfect as it is, and then we can say, ‘Lord you know I love you’. Leave the answer to him!
PHOTO: Shame was taken at the cross. No more poignant is the moment Jesus comes to Peter after the Resurrection, on the beach to affirm their relationship and three times takes the shame of three denials. Jesus sees into the heart and knows love, and he also knows our efforts to love. We are called to feed his people in many ways, not because we are perfect, but because we do our best to share the best of our lives with others. We fail miserably, Jesus frees completely. We then can walk in His complete “Restoration.”
Picture posted by by Marybeth Stafford on 14 November 2013
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/288300813617409681/
Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. He, who had heard Christ say that one must forgive seventy times seven, could not bring himself to ask Christ to forgive him. Instead, he died in despair.
Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
PHOTO: Jesus’ question, asked three times, echoes the three times Peter denied Christ. It may be hard to forgive, but it can be harder to accept forgiveness. The ability to believe we are forgiven is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Never cease asking for forgiveness. We must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
Picture posted by Claret WestNg on 17 May 2018
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https://claretwestng.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PETER.jpg
https://claretwestng.org/friday-seventh-week-easter-may-18-2018/
I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Did Jesus at that moment indicate the boat, the tackle, the shoal of caught fish, the way of life that Peter knew and loved? Was this an invitation to a change of career? Or was the question: Do you love me more than these (the other disciples) do? After all, Peter had boasted: Though all desert you, I will never. This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
PHOTO: I put myself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? This time Peter is understating himself: You know that I love you. I feel close to Peter, diffident (lack of self-confidence) about my wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for me.
Picture posted by Daily Masses, homily for 18 May 2018
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https://dailymasses.blogspot.com/2018/05/do-you-love-me-dont-just-say-it-prove.html
Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
PHOTO: Peter, despite his failings, is chosen to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. Jesus gives me a ministry of service also. Am I aware of it? Do I carry it out even if it means pain?
Picture posted by Archdiocese of Malta on 28 February 2017
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https://church.mt/files/article/tissot-feed-my-lambs-495x737.148760148465.jpg
https://church.mt/the-gospel-of-the-day-28th-february-3/
PHOTO: What answer do I give when, like Peter, I am questioned regarding the extent of my love for Jesus? Can I at least say ‘You know that I try to love you.’
Artwork by Jeanette Sthamann
Picture posted by fineartamerica.com
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Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
PHOTO: Three times Peter answers Jesus that he loves him. He means it. Yet, gripped by fear and confusion during the Passion he was unable to admit even to knowing Jesus. Could this happen to him again? Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Letting go and accepting help is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
Picture posted by Emanuel Franco Gomez and Daryl Moresco on 26 April 2016
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http://www.carmelites.net/blog/stations-resurrection-station-9-question-peter/
Peter must have wondered ‘Where do I stand now?’ ‘Am I still his number one?’ But Jesus shows him amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd.
Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for me. You remind me that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of me may I learn how to accept others who fail me.
Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community.
If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ how would I respond? Many women and men, down the ages, have given their lives for Christ. How would I feel if I were asked to do the same? Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
PHOTO: Three times Jesus gently asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ He does not admonish him for his betrayals! Because he loves, Peter is re-instated, and given a great responsibility to care for the Early Christian community. If Jesus were to ask me, ‘Do you love me?’ Can I at least be a good follower of Jesus?
Picture posted by Yang Qing on 23 July 2018
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https://www.findshepherd.com/give-peter-keys-of-the-kingdom-of-heaven.html
This is a scene to savour slowly. John's gospel summarises what was probably a long morning's conversation between Jesus and Peter. When I have made a fool of myself, I hate to be reminded of it. Jesus with his triple questioning is reminding Peter of his triple betrayal - the most painful memory imaginable - but he does it with delicacy. Peter loved Jesus before his cowardly betrayal of him; he loved him more deeply afterwards. It led not merely to Peter's emotional declaration of love, but to his confirmation as leader of the church. He can safely command because he is a sinner with no illusions about himself.
Many people repeat often in prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. It’s a humble prayer because often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
To be a disciple of Jesus is to be asked the question often, 'Do you love me?' it is not that Jesus doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love. Guided by St Ignatius, I might ask, 'What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do?'
Peter realises that he is being given increasing responsibility for the flock. How graciously do I accept growing responsibility?
PHOTO: Often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. God looks into the heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. Prayer is giving our time to be aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
Picture posted by Mark Sengele, Seeds of Faith - Peter Denies Jesus
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https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cph_30238983837.jpg
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/2017/03/30/new-testament-4-lesson-5-peter-denies-jesus/
I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” How do I answer? Am I afraid to say yes because of things I have done (or failed to do) during my life? I look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: “Lord”, he says, “you know that I love you”. Can I have the same confidence that Peter had?
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him. What do I want to say? Say it now as Jesus is listening to you.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
PHOTO: I hear Jesus ask me the same question he asks Peter: “Do you love me?” Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise.
I spend a few moments with Jesus - how do I respond to him.
I want to say: "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus may said to me, "Feed my lambs.", "Feed my sheep.", and "Follow me."
Picture saved by Kia Karne to 01
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that the central mark of a disciple of Christ is to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbour as yourself’. Please help us to have wholehearted devotion to God, with no place for any rivals of God, especially our sinful self which loves to sit on the heart’s throne, in our hearts.
Help us to hear and keep the commands of God because one clear sign that we love God is that we will obey Him without reservations. We want our love for God to be growing which is demonstrate growing obedience.
Some have pointed out that love should be considered a verb - in that it is always expressed in action - and there is truth in that understanding. Help us to express our love by our submission and obedience to God.
Please give us the ability to believe we are forgiven as it is crucial to our spiritual growth. This was the defining difference between Peter and Judas. Vacillating Peter went from the shame of his threefold denial of Christ to become the rock on which Christ’s church was founded. Judas could not contemplate the possibility of forgiveness. Lord, grant that I may never cease asking for forgiveness. If we must be prepared to forgive limitlessly, then we must also be ready to ask for forgiveness – and believe we are forgiven – until the moment we die.
We put ourself in Peter's shoes and listen to that question: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? We may boast like Peter did, and like Peter we also understand our lack of self-confidence about our wish to be a disciple, but knowing the Lord's love for us. Despite our failings, please help us to continue the ministry of Jesus by humble service to others. When questioned regarding the extent of our love for Jesus, please help us to be able to answer ‘You know that I try to love you.’
We learn that Jesus understands and forgives our human frailties but he never ceases to say to us ‘Follow me’. Help us to be a good follower of Christ.
As babies we are entirely dependent on others. As we grow, however, we claim more and more independence. Then we find it hard to let go of that independence in old age. Life is a circle that takes us back to the beginning. Help us to let go and accept help because it is easier if I trust in God’s goodness and care. ‘Old age comes from God and leads on to God’ (Teilhard de Chardin).
We learn that Jesus shows Peter amazing courtesy and kindness, and all doubts are dispelled. Peter becomes a new creation: a fisherman turns shepherd. Lord, I see here your unbounded mercy and forgiving love for us. You remind us that everything in the world is redeemable because of your rising from the dead. From your acceptance of us may we learn how to accept others who fail us.
Lord, like Peter, we loved Jesus before our cowardly betrayal of him; but we loved him more deeply afterwards. Led us to follow Peter’s emotional declaration of love by the prayer, ‘Lord you know I love you’. We know that Jesus does not doubts us, but he wants us to recognise how we express that love.
Often we feel we don’t live up to our call from God or to the goodness of love we receive in life. We may feel the shame Peter felt on looking at his history of denying his friend, Jesus. We know that God looks into our heart and sees what we would like to be, as well as seeing what we have done in life. We are aware that God is looking into our hearts and loving us for who we are.
We hear Jesus ask us the same question he asks Peter: ‘Do you love me?’ We are afraid to say yes because of things we have done (or failed to do) during our life. We look at Peter. He had denied even knowing Jesus only a few days earlier, but he does not hesitate: ‘Lord’, he says, ‘you know that I love you’. Help us to have the same confidence that Peter had.
Jesus knows that I love him, even if my actions - like Peter’s - often seem to say otherwise. When Jesus ask me ‘Do you love me?’ I want to respond with: ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus may said to me, ‘Feed my lambs.’, ‘Feed my sheep.’, and ‘Follow me.’ Like Peter, help us to graciously accept the growing responsibility without hesitation.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Mary saved to Beautiful Paintings - EMILE MUNIER............
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Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Showing Love for God
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Question 2, Page 58.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Question 2, Page 58.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 9, "Becoming Loving", Page 54.[2] Sacred Space, John 21:15-19, Some thoughts on today's scripture, https://www.sacredspace.ie/scripture/john-2115-19-0
[34] Bell Hooks, All About Love: New Visions (New York: Harper Perennial, 2001), 4; Gary Chapman, Love Is a Verb: Stories of What Hapens When Love Comes Alive (Minneapolis, MN: Berhany House, 2009).
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
John 14:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A15&version=NIV
John 14:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A21&version=NIV
John 14:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A21&version=NIV
John 21:15-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A15-19&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
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- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance.html
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