The Shepherd
If you love me, Jesus tells Peter, you will care for those I love.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the 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. - John 21:15-17
Peter was shocked that Jesus asked him three times if he loved him. And each time Peter said he did, Jesus answered with what sounds like the same answer, but there are subtle differences.
Jesus is about to leave them. This is after the Resurrection and it was time to select the shepherd who would take over for Jesus, providing the spiritual food for the flock. That job fell on Peter.
It is no surprise to us because we know the line of succession of leaders of the church begins here with Peter, but we may forget what the powerful symbolism of being a shepherd to the flock means.
Jesus had described himself as the good shepherd, willing to lay down his life for his sheep, protecting them from the evil ones, the wolves in the world.
If we all seek to be like Jesus, we need to see ourselves in that role to some extent. We need to feel committed to tending to the needs of others, spiritually as well as physically. I take this command literally when I work to feed the hungry, but I need to do more than just dish out food.
When someone comes to me and shares his or her story, they are looking for help. It is more than being a good listener, more than being willing to pray for them. When someone reaches the point where they can no longer live the way they have been living, and they ask for help, we need to be ready and willing to help.
Sometimes it is financial support they need. But when they come and say they are tired and they can't do this anymore, what they need is more than money. They need someone to believe in them, someone to shepherd them back to the flock.
Peter was not just given a job. He was given a mission to love the flock, to get to know them, to tend to them in their every need, and that is what we are called to do for our neighbors.
It is not just putting money in a plate or putting food in their bag. It is loving them.
Lord, help me to be better at helping people in need. Guide others to me who are willing to help and show me how to be a shepherd.
More to come...