May 17, 2024 - Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
May you continue to love the Lord Jesus with your whole mind, heart, soul, and strength, and love others with same sort of unconditional love with which He has loved you.
I found an interesting song on the Internet that is tied into today’s Gospel reading. It is called Peter, Do You Love Me? What I liked about the song is it shows the transition from the Peter who denied his Lord on the night before Jesus died, through Pentecost, and to his ultimate death on an upside-down cross. Peter’s love for the Lord Jesus grew as he proclaimed the GOoD News in his service of those who were entrusted to his care.
In a similar way, we must be willing to grow in our faith-filled love of the Lord Jesus and of those for whom GOD has entrusted us to care.
May you continue to love the Lord Jesus with your whole mind, heart, soul, and strength, and love others with same sort of unconditional love with which He has loved you.
I found an interesting song on the Internet that is tied into today’s Gospel reading. It is called Peter, Do You Love Me? What I liked about the song is it shows the transition from the Peter who denied his Lord on the night before Jesus died, through Pentecost, and to his ultimate death on an upside-down cross. Peter’s love for the Lord Jesus grew as he proclaimed the GOoD News in his service of those who were entrusted to his care.
In a similar way, we must be willing to grow in our faith-filled love of the Lord Jesus and of those for whom GOD has entrusted us to care.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051725.cfm
Saint Paschal Baylon: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paschal-baylon/
Readings: Acts 25: 13b-21; Psalm 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; John 21: 15-19
In today’s First Reading we hear how events are coming together that will lead to St. Paul being taken to Rome. GOD has ways of getting people where GOD wants them to be and doing what GOD wants them to do. Thus, the circumstances in Jerusalem, Paul’s Roman citizenship, and other happenings provide the means for Paul being sent to Rome, the place where GOD will use him for the continued spread of the Gospel.
Today’s Gospel speaks about another man who will eventually end up in Rome – St. Peter. This passage takes place near the end of the Risen Jesus’ earthly time with His disciples. Jesus asks Peter about the love he has for Jesus and explains what that means for Peter’s life.
The Gospel passage has been interpreted in many ways. One way looks at the words used in the passage for terms which are translated with the English word “love.” Some scripture scholars say there is no difference to the way that two different Greek words for “love” are used. Other scholars see a great importance to which word is used at what time and by whom. I will present the position that the words were particularly chosen to stress the continuing of St. Peter’s development in his relationship with the Lord Jesus.
In Greek, there are four different words for what we in English translate as “love.” Two of these words are used in today’s Gospel passage. The two words used today are φιλεω (phileo - I love) and αγαπαω (agapao - I love). They both can, obviously, be translated as “love.” The word φιλεω (phileo) is usually understood in the sense of loving because one has a duty of being related to another person, either a family member or friend. A form of this word is used in Philadelphia, city of “brotherly love.” It is a very important type of love. This is the type of love that family members have for each other, even if they do not necessarily “like” each other. It is a love that comes from a sense of obligation because of a bond or being in a close friendship/ relationship by choice.
The other word for “love” that is used in today’s Gospel is αγαπαω (agapao). This is often translated as “unconditional love.” In 1 John 4: 7, a form of this word is used in the phrase, “GOD is love.” It is the highest form of “love.” It is the type of love that Jesus says His Abba-Father has for us. It is the love that caused Jesus to be born, teach, minister, suffer, die, and rise again. Aγαπαω (Agapao) is the love that comes from a decision to do for another without expecting anything in return and without counting the cost to oneself. It is the type of love that Jesus speaks about when He says, “No greater love does anyone have than one is willing to lay down one’s life for another” (John 15: 13).
Having explained the words, let us see how they are used in today’s Gospel. Jesus addresses Peter and says, “Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or a close friend).” Jesus issues a command, “Feed My lambs.”
Again, Jesus repeats the question, “Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter again responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family).” Jesus requests, “Tend My sheep.”
A third time Jesus asks a question. The word for “love” changes in Jesus’ question. Jesus says, “Peter, do you phileis Me (do you love Me as a member of My family or a close friend)?” Peter seems hurt. He has been asked three questions. He responds, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or close friend).” Jesus gives the final imperative, “Feed My sheep.”
If the words were chosen particularly for their special meaning, this passage takes on an interesting twist, a twist that may apply to us. One way of looking at this would be that Jesus is asking Peter to show his “unconditional love” for Jesus. Peter, at this point in his life, can only respond with the love of a close relative or friend. Peter cannot make the full commitment of laying down his life for others. Jesus again asks for the total surrender by Peter in an act of selfless love. Peter again responds with the only type of love that he can promise at this point in his life. Jesus finally settles for the second type of love from Peter. Peter is hurt, not just by Jesus’ questioning, but by his own lack of being able to give himself totally to Jesus.
After each of Peter’s responses, Jesus ask Peter to take care of His own flock that He entrusts to Peter. Jesus then goes on to say that Peter will later have to give himself totally, unconditionally, and ultimately as a witness (martyros - martyr) to Jesus.
From reflecting on this, I realize that I am often like Peter. I can proclaim my love (philia) for the Lord Jesus. Yet I find it hard to make the full commitment of agape love. I know Jesus is asking me to give that unconditional, selfless love (agape). Yet, I have not fully grown to the point where I can say that I will always love unselfishly. Yes, I love the Lord Jesus. I love my brothers and sisters in the Lord. The love, however, is still at the philia level. I want to give more, but I am limited in my ability because there is still something in me that prevents me from giving unconditionally. I expect some return on my loving others, especially the members of my family and those with whom I work or interact. My love must be deepened, i.e., changed from philia to agape type of love. Obviously, I cannot do it without GOD’s help, since GOD is agape-love. I must keep coming back to the Master-Teacher and keep learning from Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can strive to be more unconditionally loving. This is what I am called to do as a disciple of a loving Master.
And one way I can deepen the sense of unconditional love is the same way Peter did – by his tending to those entrusted to his care. It was by feeding the lambs and tending the sheep of the flock of Jesus – the GOoD Shepherd, that Peter was able to change from philia love to agape love. In his service of others, he learned how to unconditionally love both the Lord Jesus and those under his care. In the same way I, too, can learn to love more unconditionally by my service of others.
Blessed are You, LORD and ever-loving GOD. Through Your GOoDness, You have loved us unconditionally, as seen especially in and through Your Son, Jesus. You have said that You have sent Your Son into the world because of Your love for each and every person. Jesus lived a life and died a death because of His unconditional love for us and for You, His loving Abba-Father. We ask Your pardon for times when we have not loved at all or not loved fully and unconditionally. We ask that You continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may have the strength and wisdom to love as You and Your Son have loved us. As we strive to love others, gift us with the ability to love completely with agape type of love. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Unconditional Love Incarnate, Who has given us an example to follow, Who is Your Son and our Brother, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only loving GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Agape Love Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYjlVwtlXrs
Agape Love Song Chris Madsen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52itlNDn9Z0
Unconditional Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9q-qsu-4c8
Peter, Do You Love Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVzPVontigc
All Good Gifts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBklIr1cOuM
Video of the Day: Saint Paschal of Baylon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRVy5O787D4
© rjk, 12-11-22
Saint Paschal Baylon: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paschal-baylon/
Readings: Acts 25: 13b-21; Psalm 103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; John 21: 15-19
In today’s First Reading we hear how events are coming together that will lead to St. Paul being taken to Rome. GOD has ways of getting people where GOD wants them to be and doing what GOD wants them to do. Thus, the circumstances in Jerusalem, Paul’s Roman citizenship, and other happenings provide the means for Paul being sent to Rome, the place where GOD will use him for the continued spread of the Gospel.
Today’s Gospel speaks about another man who will eventually end up in Rome – St. Peter. This passage takes place near the end of the Risen Jesus’ earthly time with His disciples. Jesus asks Peter about the love he has for Jesus and explains what that means for Peter’s life.
The Gospel passage has been interpreted in many ways. One way looks at the words used in the passage for terms which are translated with the English word “love.” Some scripture scholars say there is no difference to the way that two different Greek words for “love” are used. Other scholars see a great importance to which word is used at what time and by whom. I will present the position that the words were particularly chosen to stress the continuing of St. Peter’s development in his relationship with the Lord Jesus.
In Greek, there are four different words for what we in English translate as “love.” Two of these words are used in today’s Gospel passage. The two words used today are φιλεω (phileo - I love) and αγαπαω (agapao - I love). They both can, obviously, be translated as “love.” The word φιλεω (phileo) is usually understood in the sense of loving because one has a duty of being related to another person, either a family member or friend. A form of this word is used in Philadelphia, city of “brotherly love.” It is a very important type of love. This is the type of love that family members have for each other, even if they do not necessarily “like” each other. It is a love that comes from a sense of obligation because of a bond or being in a close friendship/ relationship by choice.
The other word for “love” that is used in today’s Gospel is αγαπαω (agapao). This is often translated as “unconditional love.” In 1 John 4: 7, a form of this word is used in the phrase, “GOD is love.” It is the highest form of “love.” It is the type of love that Jesus says His Abba-Father has for us. It is the love that caused Jesus to be born, teach, minister, suffer, die, and rise again. Aγαπαω (Agapao) is the love that comes from a decision to do for another without expecting anything in return and without counting the cost to oneself. It is the type of love that Jesus speaks about when He says, “No greater love does anyone have than one is willing to lay down one’s life for another” (John 15: 13).
Having explained the words, let us see how they are used in today’s Gospel. Jesus addresses Peter and says, “Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or a close friend).” Jesus issues a command, “Feed My lambs.”
Again, Jesus repeats the question, “Peter, do you agapas (do you unconditionally love) Me?” Peter again responds “Yes, Lord, I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family).” Jesus requests, “Tend My sheep.”
A third time Jesus asks a question. The word for “love” changes in Jesus’ question. Jesus says, “Peter, do you phileis Me (do you love Me as a member of My family or a close friend)?” Peter seems hurt. He has been asked three questions. He responds, “Lord, You know everything. You know that I phileo You (I love You as a member of Your family or close friend).” Jesus gives the final imperative, “Feed My sheep.”
If the words were chosen particularly for their special meaning, this passage takes on an interesting twist, a twist that may apply to us. One way of looking at this would be that Jesus is asking Peter to show his “unconditional love” for Jesus. Peter, at this point in his life, can only respond with the love of a close relative or friend. Peter cannot make the full commitment of laying down his life for others. Jesus again asks for the total surrender by Peter in an act of selfless love. Peter again responds with the only type of love that he can promise at this point in his life. Jesus finally settles for the second type of love from Peter. Peter is hurt, not just by Jesus’ questioning, but by his own lack of being able to give himself totally to Jesus.
After each of Peter’s responses, Jesus ask Peter to take care of His own flock that He entrusts to Peter. Jesus then goes on to say that Peter will later have to give himself totally, unconditionally, and ultimately as a witness (martyros - martyr) to Jesus.
From reflecting on this, I realize that I am often like Peter. I can proclaim my love (philia) for the Lord Jesus. Yet I find it hard to make the full commitment of agape love. I know Jesus is asking me to give that unconditional, selfless love (agape). Yet, I have not fully grown to the point where I can say that I will always love unselfishly. Yes, I love the Lord Jesus. I love my brothers and sisters in the Lord. The love, however, is still at the philia level. I want to give more, but I am limited in my ability because there is still something in me that prevents me from giving unconditionally. I expect some return on my loving others, especially the members of my family and those with whom I work or interact. My love must be deepened, i.e., changed from philia to agape type of love. Obviously, I cannot do it without GOD’s help, since GOD is agape-love. I must keep coming back to the Master-Teacher and keep learning from Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can strive to be more unconditionally loving. This is what I am called to do as a disciple of a loving Master.
And one way I can deepen the sense of unconditional love is the same way Peter did – by his tending to those entrusted to his care. It was by feeding the lambs and tending the sheep of the flock of Jesus – the GOoD Shepherd, that Peter was able to change from philia love to agape love. In his service of others, he learned how to unconditionally love both the Lord Jesus and those under his care. In the same way I, too, can learn to love more unconditionally by my service of others.
- The personal question/action for today: With what type of love do I love my family and friends? Phileo - love out of sense of relationship or duty or Agapao - unconditional love? Was there an opportunity in which I recently failed to show unconditional love? How have I recently demonstrated unconditional love for a member of my family or someone with whom I work or with whom I have come in contact? What can I do to strive to be more unconditionally loving to those whom I am called to serve?
Blessed are You, LORD and ever-loving GOD. Through Your GOoDness, You have loved us unconditionally, as seen especially in and through Your Son, Jesus. You have said that You have sent Your Son into the world because of Your love for each and every person. Jesus lived a life and died a death because of His unconditional love for us and for You, His loving Abba-Father. We ask Your pardon for times when we have not loved at all or not loved fully and unconditionally. We ask that You continue to send Your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may have the strength and wisdom to love as You and Your Son have loved us. As we strive to love others, gift us with the ability to love completely with agape type of love. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Unconditional Love Incarnate, Who has given us an example to follow, Who is Your Son and our Brother, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only loving GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Agape Love Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYjlVwtlXrs
Agape Love Song Chris Madsen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52itlNDn9Z0
Unconditional Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9q-qsu-4c8
Peter, Do You Love Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVzPVontigc
All Good Gifts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBklIr1cOuM
Video of the Day: Saint Paschal of Baylon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRVy5O787D4
© rjk, 12-11-22