Do you love me?

*taken from today's reflection (www.wau.org)*

Do you love me? (John 21:15)

Jesus’ questioning of Peter in such a direct way was not intended to make Peter feel guilty. And neither was it an ego trip for the Lord. Jesus didn’t need Peter’s love to feel better about himself. He already knew—better than Peter himself—how much Peter loved him. Rather, Jesus wanted Peter to reach deep within himself and see how much love for the Lord was actually there.

Jesus questioned Peter at a pivotal moment to show that Peter’s love for him was greater than any opposing power that might try to keep him bound in the memory of his failures. He wanted Peter to see that while he would make mistakes, his love for Jesus could still cover a multitude of human failings. This was probably one of the most encouraging interrogations anyone could experience! True, Jesus’ questions must have disturbed Peter. But in the end, they actually restored his faith in himself as a child of God and as a chosen apostle. They helped Peter understand that even in spite of his imperfections, he could still serve Jesus fully.

Today, Jesus asks each of us, “Do you love me?” even though he already knows the answer. We should welcome this kind of questioning. He doesn’t doubt us. He only wants to burn away any unbelief in us with the fire of his love—a love that will create an even deeper love for him in our hearts.

Today at Mass, welcome Jesus into your heart so that he can expand your capacity to love. Yes, you will make mistakes; no one is sinless. But know that as you declare your love to Jesus, he will strengthen you and empower you to take up the work he has called you to. Then your love for him will become the visible proof that his kingdom really has come to earth.

“Jesus, you know how much I love you. Continue refining me with the fire of your love so that I may love you more and show my love to you and my neighbors.”