17 May, Friday — God’s wisdom, not ours

Friday of the 7th Week of Eastertide

Acts 25:13-21
Jn 21:15-19

“Feed my sheep”

Today’s Gospel intrigues me.

In this passage from John, Jesus had met Simon Peter for the first time since His resurrection. In this first interaction, instead of calling him out for his betrayal (thrice), our Lord chose to ask him three times whether he loved Jesus. 

While there has been no explicit explanation, my guess is the number of times Jesus asked Peter the question is related to the number of times Peter denied knowing Jesus.

In doing so, Jesus communicates forgiveness for Peter instead of calling him out for his failings, which I would have done. In my daily life, I would not have chosen this route. I would have challenged Peter and doubted his love and loyalty. Rather than depending on him, I would have withdrawn all trust. Jesus does the opposite instead.

This Gospel passage also sees Jesus talking about the death that Peter would experience. While this is not mentioned in the Bible, it is said that Peter would also be crucified, but upside down, a choice Peter made as he did not feel worthy to be crucified similarly to our Lord.

Peter could have continued to deny any association with Jesus. Yet, he chose in his mission to “feed Jesus’ lambs, tend Jesus’ sheep and to feed Jesus’ sheep.” Far from being a coward, Peter led a courageous life as the chosen leader of Jesus.

What a fantastic turnaround Peter demonstrated.

Jesus’ action teaches me to tap into the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than depending on my thoughts and feelings. Let us tap into our relationship with our Lord and pray and reflect daily. 

(Today’s OXYGEN by Paul Wee)

Prayer: Father God, help us to tap into Your wisdom and guidance. Let us not be arrogant in our thoughts and feelings; You know our ways better than we do.

Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for always trying to prompt us with Your guidance and love. Thank You for blessing us with Your love and grace.