Feed

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." - John 21:15

Dear People of St. Peters,

Grace and peace to you on this third weekend of Easter. Yes, it’s still Easter, a season to proclaim the risen Christ. Alleluia, Christ is risen! 

The church observes the Easter season for 50 days. The season is 50 days long to mark the 50 days between Jesus’ resurrection and the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. During the first 40 days, Jesus walked upon the earth, appearing before his disciples and sometimes even eating with them. Tomorrow we will hear one of those stories. 

Early one morning, the disciples were fishing along the shore when they noticed Jesus standing on the beach. So, the disciples came to share, and they shared fish breakfast together.

During the meal, Jesus asked Simon Peter, the disciple who had denied Jesus three times, “Do you love me?” Peter answered,“You know that I love you.” And Jesus replied, “Feed by sheep.” Jesus asked Peter two more times, “Do you love me?” You can hear the frustration in Peter’s voice when he answers, “You’ve got to know I love you.” Jesus replies yet again “Feed my sheep.”

Jesus is clear to Peter and to us. To follow him, to truly love Jesus, means caring for your neighbor. It means opening your eyes to the needs of others, and responding in loving action. This may be delivering food with Meals on Wheels, making brown bag lunches (tomorrow after 10:15 AM worship), or visiting the sick or the homebound. It may mean helping a family who has immigrated to the United States find affordable housing. 

Do you love me?
You know that I love you.
Feed my sheep.

If you have a moment, listen to Palestrina’s celebration of the Apostle Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus built the church.