In today’s reading from the Holy Gospel according to John, “Jesus said to Simon the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?'”

“When the chips were down, the 12 who were closest to Jesus failed him miserably; Peter most painfully,” says Father Jerry in today’s homily. “Once risen, Jesus could have, should have rebuke them for their cowardice and betrayal. Jesus could have, should have censored them for their lack of faith and trust.”

Instead of humiliating Peter, he offers the mortified fishermen a chance to make things right, and invites Peter to take on his ministry of forgiveness and healing. God raises his son from the dead, not as a manifestation of terrifying power, but as the perfect sign of His love for us.

Lord, may we center our Easter faith in a commitment to forgiveness that heals, and to reconciliation that enables us to make new beginnings with one another.

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