GOD NEVER REJECTS US

III EASTER SUNDAY: Jn 2:1-19

Jesus, being the perfect image of the Father, reveals to us in his actions and in his words God’s heart: in his infinite love, God never rejects us. When we go astray, turning our backs on him, he remains waiting for us, ready to welcome us with open arms. And that is what Jesus did with Peter.

Peter’s denial

Peter denied Jesus, and even cursed (Mt 26:74), in order to save himself from trouble. He did it three times, to show that his denial was complete and trustworthy. Out of fear, in a moment of weakness, he denied Jesus. Then,  realising that he had betrayed his Lord and best friend, he cried and repented. And he went back to the group of the Apostles. He could not find meaning for his life without Jesus and without the fellowship of those who had been his companions.

Reading the Gospels, we get the idea that Peter was an outspoken and courageous man, the type of man that is easily recognised as a leader, and everybody could see that he had a special place in Jesus’ circle. 

However, it seems as if Peter was in need of an experience of failure to become aware of his shortcomings and sin. More than that, he needed to go through an experience of forgiveness, so that he could become a true witness of God’s love and mercy. It is not good to boast about one’s resolve, as he did during the Last Supper. We are no better than the others. All of us are sinners, and all of us are in need of God’s grace. The ones chosen to be leaders are not less sinners than the ones they are called to serve.

Do you love me?

Jesus asked Peter three times: Do you love me? Hearing the same question for the third time,  Peter felt sad and upset. Many times, we would prefer not to remember the past and to forget that we have sinned. However, the past made us what we are today. And then Peter answered in a more humble manner: “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you!”

And Jesus confirmed Peter in his position of leadership as a service to the community of believers: “Feed my sheep”.

Jesus asks of each one of us the same question he asked to Peter: Do you love me?

And then he calls us to be witnesses of his love and mercy, putting ourselves at the service of others.

Do you love me?

Bushe walintemwa?

Composed by Clement Musonda,

based on the question put to Peter by Jesus:

Do you love me?