EASTER III [C] (Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rv 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19)- 

In his book, Remember Who You Are, William H. Willimon of Duke University says that he recalls one thing his mother always told him whenever he left the house to go on a date during his high school days. As he left the house, she would stand at the front door and call after him, "Will, don't forget who you are."

We know what she meant. She didn't think Wil was in danger of forgetting his name and street address. But she knew that, alone on a date, or in the midst of some party, or while joined by friends, he might forget who he was. She knew that sometimes all of us are tempted to answer to some alien name and to be who we are not. "Don't forget who you are," was the maternal benediction.

The disciples that morning as they fished without success were called from the shore by one who was calling them back to who they were. They were his children. They should never forget that. They were his with a mission to do. And that mission would not and could not be successful without his guidance and presence.

The Gospel tells the post-Resurrection story of our merciful Savior who goes in search of His band of disappointed and dejected disciples.   After letting them have a miraculous catch and providing them a good breakfast, three times, Jesus asks Simon Peter, “Do you love Me?” And Peter responds that he does, as if in reparation for his triple denial of Jesus. The two metaphors used in the story, namely fishing and shepherding, are duties of the Church referring to her missionary work. Peter, as a forgiven sinner, is chosen as a leader in a community of brothers and sisters for the quality of his love. As his primary mission, he is given the care of the vulnerable lambs and sheep, and he is told that his fidelity to this mission will lead him to martyrdom.

One of the features of the stories about the appearances of Jesus after his Resurrection is that they nearly always end up with Jesus commissioning someone.

 Three little boys were arguing about whose mom loved them more. The first boy said, "My mom loves me more because when I gave her a quarter, she gave it back to me and told me to go buy a piece of candy."

The second little boy said that his mom loved him more. He said, "My mom loves me more because if I gave her a quarter, she would give me two quarters back and tell me to go buy two pieces of candy.

The third lad saw how this was developing, thought for a moment, and said, "My mom loves me the most because if I gave her a quarter she would keep it and tell me how much my quarter is going to help pay the bills.

Love requires a commitment. Jesus required it of Peter; He requires it of us today. The church does not exist for itself; it exists to bring others to a commitment to Jesus Christ. At each mass he asks us to make commitment to him and deepen that commitment each week.

The one thing about which Jesus questioned Peter prior to commissioning him to tend the flock, was love. This is the basic qualification for Christian service. Other qualities may be desirable, but love is completely indispensable (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-3).” By this triple confession, Peter is restored to the leadership position from which he had fallen by his triple denial. Furthermore, it is proclaimed that Peter is indeed a pastor, who is to show his love for Christ in feeding Christ’s sheep, a recycling of denial into affirmation. “Feed My lambs,” will continue to be the agenda of the post-Resurrection Church until the risen Lord appears in glory.

Peter was called upon to prove   his love:  “If you love me, feed my sheep.” The same Risen Lord reminds us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). What do our present actions and activities say about our love for Christ?  The Risen Jesus accepts our apology, dismisses the charges against us, exonerates us of guilt, and forgives all our weaknesses.  He   continues to challenge us to demonstrate our love for him by freely, faithfully feeding his sheep entrusted to our care.

In the first reading we saw that the Apostles left the Sanhedrin’s presence “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” That reaction does not come from obligation. It comes from love. The Lord loved them and suffered so much for them that they are happy to love and suffer for him in return, just as every believer should be.

In this Gospel Our Lord reminds us that he wants unconditional love from us, but also realizes our weakness and failings. Our love will always be imperfect, but it must be firm, trying to grow and never losing ground.

Put ourselves in Peter’s shoes today and respond to Our Lord’s questions from wherever we’re at, regarding our relationship with him. Just like Peter, he will coax a greater love out of us if we let him.