In these last masses before the end of the Easter Season we are reminded of the centrality of the fact of the death of Jesus – and his glorious resurrection. King Agrippa could readily accept that Jesus was one who was put to death – but he could not so easily believe that the same man is now alive as Paul proclaimed and preached.
But it is true! Christ did die! Christ is now risen! and, as he promised – he will come again – from his throne that he has established in heaven.
In the gospel passage we have the very important post-resurrection interchange between Jesus and Peter. Peter had denied Jesus three times the night of his Passion – today he is offered an opportunity to make up for this. "Do you love me – more than the rest of the apostles?" Jesus asks three times. "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!" Peter replies three times! – each time getting more perturbed because Jesus seemed to doubt his love.
Then Jesus commands him thusly, to: "feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep!" - confirming his seniority among the apostles; and the true task at hand – protecting, guiding, caring for, tending and feeding the lambs and sheep of the Church all that they might need to make it to safe pastures in eternal life!
Peter accepted the commission, as did his successors – down to the present day! Thank you, Jesus, for thus taking care of us – all of us!
And thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who reminds us of all these things and makes them clear, understandable and important to us!
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