I don’t think that the significance of his being asked three times by our Lord – “Do you love me?” was lost on Simon Peter. He knew full well the number of times that he stumbled in denying to be one of Jesus’ followers as our Lord had predicted – “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times”. This might in part explain some of Peters agitation at being asked like this. Yet it was important to have this discourse, because also contained within it was our Lords command that Peter (and in turn his successors) tend and feed His flock. This has been the responsibility of the Pope(s) since that time. It’s a bit ironic, that as I began writing this, I had just learned of the passing of Pope Francis, and I could not help but think of the way that in his papacy, he spent so much of his time focusing on drawing all of Jesus’ flock to His Church so that they could be cared for. This need is as important now as it was in Peters time when there were also many who were castoff members of society, but our Lord made it clear He wanted them all, and would sort out any issues himself.
The tending and feeding of God’s flock is something that can only begin with the inclusion of every soul we can possibly draw in. It does not matter what other ideologies they subscribe to, it doesn’t matter if they yet fully understand Catholic teaching, or have had a religious upbringing, or of what kind. It does not matter what they look like, where they came from, or how they sound. It does not matter to whom they feel they are attracted or how they see themselves. What DOES matter is that we do not hinder their ability to come to the Catholic (remember that means universal) Church so that they can learn and ponder God’s message and receive healing from the Sacraments like all the rest of us who are likely just as broken in one respect or another.
Jesus revealed himself to Peter, Thomas, and Nathaniel on the beach that morning after a night of unsuccessful fishing, and then causing so many fish to fill their nets after they lowered them at His command, it was reminiscent of how He had called Peter to himself initially. He repeated the call so that Peter, like the rest of us, could see how much He wanted to draw him back to himself regardless of his having stumbled, just as he still wants all of us even when we stumble. Peter learned in a vision that all were seen as acceptable to be redeemed by God, and the message and understanding is just as important for all who call themselves His followers today. May we prayerfully ponder, and never forget to make His Church a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.
The Deacons Bench 