"Simon Peter, do you love me more than these?"
Jesus' question to Peter makes us squirm. How can Peter answer? Did he wonder whether Jesus was upset with him for his faults and failures as the one to whom he gave the keys of the kingdom? Jesus' question is direct and demanding. Do you love me? More than these? All of us hear the same question directed to us.
Loving God totally and completely, as Jesus asks Peter to do, makes believers incredibly vulnerable. Love implies that we are focused, unafraid, and committed to God and God's desire for the world without concern for our own welfare. Love like this hurts and Peter hesitates, equivocates and answers meekly. In Greek, when Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, Peter says that the Lord knows he is his friend, and while friends love one another, the totality that Jesus seeks from Peter is lacking.
It would have been better for Peter to tell Jesus he would try to love him totally. Rather than hesitate and look for a way not to answer Jesus' question, he could have assured the Lord he was doing his best and would keep trying. Jesus accepts apologies, but challenges arrogance. It is important for all of us to remember this.
Today, love as much as you can and let go.
Who do you find most difficult to love?
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