Catholic Appeal

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Vigil

Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and, when they had finished breakfast, said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” (John 21:15-19)

Reputations are important.  We all know this to be true because when our reputation is tarnished, people begin to distrust us.  Our credibility is shot.  Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.  In this reading from John, Peter’s reputation seemingly is restored and his credibility regained. Three times Peter tells Jesus he loves him.  Nevertheless, when the chips were down and his life was threatened, he denied Jesus.

At one time or another the chips are down for each of us, and we must decide whether to be right and just.  We must decide whether we will heed Jesus’ call to follow him and to love our neighbor.   We must stretch out our hands to help those in need even if by doing so we are led where we do not want to go.  Such is Christian charity and compassion.   The Catholic Appeal nears its end this month.  Which Peter will we be?

Deacon David Pierce