Feed my Sheep JN 21:15-19

 I often come out of Mass unable to recall what the Gospel was about. As part of my evening prayer routine I use the Jesuit App 'Pray as You Go' to sit with and mediate on the readings of the day. It was during this time last Friday, June 6th, that I was really struck by the Gospel of the day. What was the message of the Gospel? What was the Gospel writer trying to convey to the readers?

Three times in this Gospel Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" When Peter replies that he does Jesus tells him to, "Feed my sheep." Jesus gives this instruction slightly differently all three times but the message is the same. What is the message? What does it mean? What is Jesus really asking of Peter? There is the saying, to follow like sheep, we follow the leader, trusting they know the way. I recently had this experience on a walk where I followed the one in front. So when she went on the rougher path and had to change course so did I. After the first time she did this I told her that I was not going to keep following like a sheep, but I did. Sheep need a Sheppard, a leader. 

At the stage of the Gospel where this exchange happens between Jesus and Peter Jesus has died and has risen. Jesus had appeared to his disciples when they where fishing and he speaks to Peter. When speaking to the crowds throughout the Gospel Jesus spoke in parables where we see that not many understood, not even his closest friends at times. While this encounter is not a parable it is an instruction told in a way that not all would understand. The Disciples are out fishing and Jesus is telling Peter to feed his sheep, there is no connection between the activity the Disciples are partaking in and what Jesus is asking of Peter. In reflecting on this passage I think of how Peter was to become the first Pope, the first leader of the Church. Jesus knew this when he said, "Feed my sheep." The faithful are the sheep, Peter the Sheppard and leader. I believe that Jesus was telling Peter in this encounter to take good care of all and to continue to proclaim the Kingdom of God. 

What does this Gospel passage say to us? Jesus wants us to look after one another and to lead well. At the end of the encounter Jesus tells Peter to, "follow me." We are encouraged to follow Jesus. Not to follow him in a brutal death like he experienced but by living our lives like he lived his, being kind to others and to be good people, always doing our best. We are also called to spread the Gospel message. The best way to spread the Gospel is to live it. How do we live the Gospel? Be a good person, practice love, not hate. As St Francis said, 'Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words. 

It is not always easy to follow Jesus but we need to try our best for this is what he asks of us. When we are finding it difficult we can ask the Lord for help.