Liturgical Day: Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 25:13b-21; Psalm 103; John 21:15-19
Today’s readings invite us to pause and listen for the movement of God’s grace. Paul’s witness centers on the living Christ, and the Gospel shows Jesus asking Peter about love before entrusting him with care for others. Love for Christ becomes service, responsibility, and discipleship.
The Word
Paul’s witness centers on the living Christ, and the Gospel shows Jesus asking Peter about love before entrusting him with care for others. Love for Christ becomes service, responsibility, and discipleship.
Reading 1: Acts 25:13b-21
Gospel: John 21:15-19
Reflection
Jesus does not begin Peter’s restoration with a lecture. He begins with love. After Peter’s failure, Jesus asks him again and again about love, then gives him a mission. This is one of the tender patterns of grace: Christ restores us not so we can stand still, but so we can love and serve more deeply.
Peter’s story is encouraging because it does not hide weakness. He denied the Lord, yet Jesus did not discard him. The Lord healed him by calling him back to love. That same grace meets us when we have failed, hesitated, or grown tired. Christ does not ask for a perfect résumé. He asks for a heart that will return to Him.
To love Jesus is not only to speak affection. It is to care for the people and responsibilities He places before us. Love becomes action. Love feeds. Love tends. Love follows.
Call to Action
Ask Christ today: “Where are You asking me to serve with love?” Then take one concrete step.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You know my heart. Restore what is weak, forgive what has failed, and teach me to love You through faithful service. Help me follow You with humility and courage. Amen.
