When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’” vs. 15
John 21:10-19
It’s not surprising that this was the chosen gospel text for the funeral of Pope Francis. Not only does it testify to the resurrection, it focuses on Peter, the disciple considered by many to have been the first pope. The text was particularly appropriate for Francis, a man who often spoke of love as the defining principle of his ministry, and who devoted his papacy to serving the flock that had been entrusted to him. As believers we often engage in speculation about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and regularly debate the doctrines that emerged in our efforts to define the faith. Sometimes those conversations become intense and can even result in separation and division.
All such things are a distraction from our true mission, to love the Lord with our heart, mind, and soul; and our neighbor as our self. Pope Francis went out of his way to bring the love of Christ to the downtrodden and the forsaken. His heart broke at the suffering that results from war and persecution. His simple desire was that all people should experience happiness in this world, a joy that flows out of the living Christ. May his hope become a reality in each of our lives!
Thought for the Day: What influence does the pope have in our world?
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