What most attracts the benevolence of the Almighty over us is our care for our neighbor. Thus it is just this disposition that Christ demands of Peter “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He responded: “Yes, Lord, you know well that I love your. And Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep”.

Why, leaving the other apostles aside, did Jesus direct Peter to respect them? It is that Peter was the first among the apostles, he that spoke in their name, the leader of the group, so much so that Paul himself came to consult him one day and not the others. To demonstrate that Peter  may be able to be trusted, Jesus gave him now the primacy among his brothers. He does not mention the denial nor shame from the past. “If you love me” he said, remain head of your brothers, you test, now this passionate love that you always demonstrate for me, with such joy! The life— that you said is soon to be given in my favor—I want that you give it for my sheep.”

Asking Peter a first time and afterwards a second time, Peter appealed to the testimony of Him Who knows the secret of hearts. Asking a third time, he is bothered and fear dominates him. Remembering that once he made this solemn affirmationsthat the he denied Him. It is for this that he sought now support in Jesus: “You know all”, affirmed Peter. Christ knows as much of the present as the future. See Peter become better and more humble, as he lost his arrogance and his contradictory spirit. Bothered at the thought of having had the impression of loving without really loving. “So much I was sure of myself in the past—he thought— now I feel confused.” Jesus interrogates him three times, and three times he gives the same order: Feed my sheep. Demonstrate thus demonstrates the appreciation that having cared for his sheep, therefore, such care is the greatest prove of love for Him.

After having spoken to Peter of this love, Jesus predicts the martyrdom that is destined to him. He manifests this type of trust he has put in him. By giving us an example of love and showing the best form of love He says: “When you were young you tied your belt and when wherever you wanted; when therefore you will be old, others will tie your belt and bring you where you don’t want to go.” It was moreover that which Peter had wanted and desired once; therefore it is Jesus who speaks to him thus. Peter would say with effect: “I will give my life for you!” and also “Although I have to die with you, I will not deny you!”

Following Jesus means to renounce the desire to be able to commit oneself with Him in the humble service of the poor and excluded. This is the care for Jesus in the person next to us. And it is this that Jesus hopes of me and of you. Give yourself! As Peter responded “yes” to his call.

Fr. Bantu Mendonça K. Sayla

Translated from Portuguese