After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples
and eaten breakfast with them, he 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.”
(John 21:15)
God’s love for us is unconditional and not based on our past mistakes. He gives us the grace and the ability to start over despite our failures. This teaches us about the power of forgiveness and the importance of reconciliation. Following Jesus may require courage and personal sacrifice, service and responsibility in leadership, and leading and caring for His followers.
15 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he 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.” 16 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.” 17 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. 18 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.” 19 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)
Unconditional is God's love, so pure, not based on past, of this we're sure. He gives us grace, in abundance free, to start anew, from failure flee. The power of forgiveness, a lesson learned, in the heart of the contrite, it is earned. Reconciliation, a gift so sweet, in God's love, we are complete. Following Jesus, a path so right, may require courage, shining bright. Personal sacrifice, a price to pay, in His footsteps, we find our way. Service and responsibility, in leadership found, in caring for His followers, we are bound. In every act of love, in every prayer, we see His face, His love we share.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging that Your love for us is unconditional, not based on our past mistakes. You give us the grace and the ability to start anew despite our failures. We are deeply grateful for this gift of forgiveness and the opportunity for reconciliation. Following You, Lord, may require courage and personal sacrifice. We pray for the strength to face these challenges and the wisdom to understand that these trials are part of our spiritual growth. We understand that being Your followers also calls for service and responsibility in leadership. Help us, Lord, to lead and care for others with love, patience, and understanding, just as You have cared for us. Teach us, Lord Jesus, to live according to Your teachings, to spread Your love, and to serve others in Your name. May our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love and grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
We should be firm to stand up for truth and for our beliefs even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Our circumstances are not outside of God’s control and we should trust in God’s sovereignty in our own lives, even in challenging situations. It is okay to appeal to higher authorities when we believe we’re being treated unjustly. It is our civil and legal right as a citizen. Let us use every opportunity to share our faith, no matter where we are.
13 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. 14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. 16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. 19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. 20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges. 21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” (Acts 25:13-21)
In the realm where truth does dwell, we stand firm, our stories to tell. Unpopular or hard, it matters not, for in truth's light, we are caught. Challenges may come, as they will, in God's plan, our roles to fill. Sovereign is He in life's grand play, guiding us along the way. When justice seems to lose its sight, to higher powers, we take our fight. For each of us, in freedom's name, has a voice, stoked like a flame. In every corner, every space, let faith be shared, grace replace. No matter where our paths may wind, in every heart, let love we find.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, seeking Your guidance and wisdom. Help us to stand firm for truth and for our beliefs, even when it's difficult or unpopular. Remind us that our circumstances are not outside of Your control. In challenging situations, let us trust in Your sovereignty. You see the bigger picture and have a plan for our lives. When we feel we're being treated unjustly, give us the courage to appeal to higher authorities, knowing it is our civil and legal right as citizens. Lord, open our hearts and minds to use every opportunity to share our faith. No matter where we are, let us be a beacon of Your love and grace. May our words and actions reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God’s kingdom rules over all and He is in control of everything. No matter how great our sins, God’s immense and unfailing love, mercy and forgiveness is greater. He removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. The depth of God’s forgiveness encourages us to also forgive others who have wronged us. We should always cultivate a spirit of praise and gratitude and to remember all the blessings we have received from God. Let us strive to obey God’s commandments, trust in His plan and His timing, and live according to His will.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding. (Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20)
In the kingdom where God does reign, His control over all does sustain. No sin too great, no fault too severe, His love and mercy always near. As far as east is from the west, He removes our sins, at our behest. His forgiveness, a depth untold, a grace from Him, more precious than gold. Encouraged are we, to forgive in kind, to release the grudges, in our mind. Cultivate a spirit, of praise and thanks, for all our blessings, to God give thanks. Strive we must, His commands to obey, in His plan and timing, find our way. Living according to His divine will, in our hearts, His love instill.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that Your kingdom rules over all and that You are in control of everything. We are humbled by the magnitude of Your love, mercy, and forgiveness, which is greater than any sin we could commit. You remove our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, a testament to the depth of Your forgiveness. This encourages us to also extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, reflecting Your grace in our lives. Help us to cultivate a spirit of praise and gratitude, remembering all the blessings we have received from You. Guide us as we strive to obey Your commandments and live according to Your will. We trust in Your plan and Your timing, knowing that You work all things for good. May our lives be a testament to Your unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: Epilogue - The Resurrection Appearance in Galilee
JESUS AND PETER
John 21:15-19
First Reading
V. The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth
PAUL BEFORE KING AGRIPPA
Acts 25:13-27
Responsorial Psalm
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
PRAISE OF DIVINE GOODNESS
Psalm 103:1-22
Reflection Source:
Copilot
