Jesus Reinstates Peter (John 21:15-19)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Do I love God? This is a question I ask myself and also reflected when I saw instagram post when people ask, "Do you love God?" and also when I read the scripture above.
I used to tell myself, we cannot see God, how to love someone whom we cannot see? That was like in my 30s or 40s. Now this question come back again...
Yesterday I brought Taco home from VES hospital (Veterinary Emergency and Speciality Hospital) (Whitley), he was sent to the hospital on Sunday due to urinary obstruction. I was so happy when I learned that he could be sent home yesterday. I was thankful to Jesus for bringing Taco back to me again. On Sunday I was so worried for Taco. The vet told me the procedure and the risk just in case Taco would not respond and need to do CPR. She asked me, "Do you want us to do CPR on Taco?" Taco is just 3 years 5 months old. To do CPR, they would charge around $200++. The hospital bill that I need to pay was already more than $1400++. I told them of course I want to save my cat. I love Taco. I always see nice cats or special cats at the vet and even in VES hospital. But deep in my heart, I still want Taco and love Taco, I don't want any other cat.
The above cat is nice and they are special cat, unlike Taco, a domestic stray cat. But still I love Taco more. When I left the hospital to go home (while Taco was under the care of the vet to do the unblocking of the urinary tract), I immediately asked Jesus to save Taco and protect Taco. I do not want to lose Taco. I realized that Jesus had always helped me since young. And I had always seek His help. I did not realize that it was a relationship until Father Terence's homily enlightened me in this point.
I realize that Jesus is always helping me in relieving my 'stress' or burden. He is the one I turned to for help always. So Do I love God? I am still asking my heart, but I should say I love Him, especially for saving me, saving my soul by dying on the cross for men on earth. Thank you Jesus.
Matthew 11:28-30 -- 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
