John 21:17
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a 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."
Life is full of challenges and tests. We as humans should learn from our mistakes but sometimes our stubbornness and ego get in the way. The saying that "history repeats itself" can be on a large scale or on a more personal scale. Many times sin is cyclical and is a hard habit to break. This might include big things like infidelity, gambling, excess food, alcohol, drug abuse, physical intimidation or violence, etc. For most of us it's the little things in life that test us. Instead of talking out a problem, we shout it out to our coworker or spouse, because that is what we're used to. Instead of considering various options, we jump to conclusions.
Peter was like that throughout the gospels. He was impetuous and let his emotions take over. Before the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter believed he'd do anything for Jesus. Yet in the clutch, he denied him three times. In today's reading we find Peter being put to the test by Jesus again. Peter denied him three times but today, he is questioned three times. There's a reason Jesus asked him three times. Peter has learned from his mistakes and knows that he can't just vocalize promises, but that everything he does should be for Christ and in Christ. Peter is now the chief shepherd. Earlier Jesus said Peter would be the rock to build the Church. Peter would hold the keys to the kingdom. Now Peter is called to feed and tend the sheep. Jesus was the Great Shepherd. This is now conferred to Peter. Despite Peter's falling down, Jesus puts him in charge. This line has continued for centuries with the Papacy. We are all sinners falling down and struggling through life's tests. But we are called to get up and persevere. We can only do this with God's help. Pray for Jesus to be in your heart and the Holy Spirit to guide you in your ways.
