The Feast of St Philip Neri | Friday 26 May 2023

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Today is Friday the 26th of May, the feast of St Philip Neri, in the seventh week of Easter.

Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘I Love You Lord’.

I love You, Lord

And I lift my voice

To worship You

Oh, my soul rejoice

Take joy, my King

In what You hear

May it be a sweet

Sweet sound in Your ear

I love You, Lord

And I lift my voice

To worship You

Oh, my soul rejoice

Take joy, my King

In what You hear

May it be a sweet

Sweet sound in Your ear

May it be a sweet, sweet sound

May it be a sweet, sweet sound

May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 21:15-19

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.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

This is a poignant scene of redemption. Jesus and Peter both know of Peter’s threefold denial, and Jesus gives him a chance to express his love, his regret and his renewed commitment, despite his weakness. What strikes you most as you share this scene with them?

Peter denied Jesus because he was afraid. Now Jesus indicates that Peter will share his terrible death, but Peter faces his fears and still declares his faith and love. Are there fears that you want to share with Jesus at this moment?

As we hear the reading repeated, stay with whatever strikes you particularly. Jesus offers Peter a chance to integrate his past while being candid about his future. How do you see your past, present and future in the light of God’s love?

This scene is not just a piece of history. It tells us something about our own life and relationship with Jesus. Is there something you want to say to him right now in light of what you have heard?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.