Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of John (21: 15-19) in which three times Jesus asks Simon Peter ‘Do you love me?’. After Simon Peter affirms this each time, Jesus replies with ‘Feed my sheep’ or ‘Take care of my sheep’.

Fr Paul says this reading is used as one of the last two Gospel readings as we come up to Pentecost, as well as on the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. It looks ahead to the coming of the Spirit on the Church and beyond that to the future situation of the Church rooted in the Jesus’ promise to Peter.

First, Peter must ask and received forgiveness for his lapse, his triple betrayal, which happened during the Passion. It is a welcome sign that the Church is forever a community of forgiveness. Another encouraging feature is the diversity of traditions which give a special place to Peter.

The different traditions in each of the four Gospels constitute a strong sign of the importance of his position:

In Mark, Peter’s sudden insight at Caesarea Philippi is the turning point in the understanding of the disciples.

In Matthew, the promise of Jesus to Peter, showing strong traces of Jesus’ Aramaic speech, underlines its importance.

In Luke, a similar promise is given at the Last Supper as part of Jesus’ arrangements for the future of this community.

And now in John, we hear the triple challenge and the triple commission from the Risen Lord and confirms the service of Peter and that which he is perform in the church. Its form makes it clear that it is a demanding service of love and care, not a comfortable dominance of rank or authority. Peter is left in no doubt that, like his master, his witness will cost him his life.

Fr Paul says, today for our reflection, we might spend some time reflecting on the demands of discipleship – to serve, to love, and to care for others.