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School of Jesus4

The document discusses the theme of love through the encounter between Jesus and Peter, emphasizing the importance of love in the mission of discipleship. Jesus tests Peter's love and entrusts him with the responsibility to 'feed my lambs,' highlighting that true love is demonstrated through service and self-giving. It encourages readers to reflect on their relationship with Jesus and to commit to following him, even in the face of challenges.

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Amarachi Cecilia
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19 views

School of Jesus4

The document discusses the theme of love through the encounter between Jesus and Peter, emphasizing the importance of love in the mission of discipleship. Jesus tests Peter's love and entrusts him with the responsibility to 'feed my lambs,' highlighting that true love is demonstrated through service and self-giving. It encourages readers to reflect on their relationship with Jesus and to commit to following him, even in the face of challenges.

Uploaded by

Amarachi Cecilia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TO THE SCHOOL OF JESUS No.

4
Encounter With Jesus

LOVE

The test of love: (Jn.21: 15-19).


Jesus presents himself as the Master who entrusts to the disciple his own mission.
Jesus calls Peter to stand for a test, “the test of love,” to make him understand the
condition and the goal of his followers, which are to live and to die, like him.

Do you love me? (Jn.21: 15)


After the resurrection, on the shore - of the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus appeared to the
disciples and prepared a meal for them. After the meal he turned to Peter with a
precise question "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others do?"
It should have been an embarrassing question for Peter who betrayed Jesus, even
after having testified that he would be ready to die for Jesus, had denied Jesus
three times.
Peter is called to be true to himself. Sometimes, the knowledge of one's limits
implies a share of suffering. However the acceptance of this knowledge helps one
to grow in love for his Master.

Yes Lord you know I love you (Jn. 21:15)


Peter’s is positive but immediately he adds, “You know Lord”. Peter is sure that the
Lord knows him and he leave the matter to him. Peter has really grown.
To grow in the truth and in love, means to acknowledge our own mistakes, and to
be sorry for them. Then to allow oneself to be known and to be corrected, trusting
in the love that comes from the other, and to have the courage to change.

Feed my lambs (Jn. 21:16)


Jesus responds to Peter by entrusting with a mission, “Feed my lambs”. This
mission is an invitation to cooperate with him his service to others, giving his own
life. True love is shown in the readiness of serving. Trice Jesus asks Peter the
same question, “Do you love me?”
When Jesus insists on asking the same question a third time, Peter becomes upset.
Why? Probably Peter interprets it as a lack of trust in him especially on recalling his
triple denial of Jesus. However, Peter does not give up. He farther responded,
“Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.”
God’s choices are not determined by our personal merits. God bases his choice in
the gratuity of his love. Hence invites us commit ourselves to him in freedom
based on love and friendship with him and not only on our human abilities.

The concrete meaning of love


When you were young, you put on your belt and walked where you liked, but
when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and somebody else will take
you where you would rather not go, (Jn.21:18).
Jesus tells Peter the concrete meaning of loving him. Jesus shows Peter where his
commitment will lead him.
In every choice in life, the future often conditions the present. To accept the call
of Christ means accepting all consequences it implies.

Follow me (Jn.21:19)
Peter is now aware of the end of the journey, and Jesus invites him once more to
follow.
The cross is the climax of the disciple’s journey; it is the climax of selfgiving, loving
as Jesus loved.

Questions
Are you deepening your knowledge of Jesus and of yourself as a prospective
disciple?
Are you afraid of something?
If Jesus would ask you like Peter, “Do you love me more than these other do"?
And if he would choose you for a particular mission to follow him, what would you
answer him?

Activities:
Allow yourself to be questioned by Jesus. Jesus is asking you whether you love him
above everybody and everything else. Follow Jesus even though it costs you much
to be faithful or to love others. Avail yourself at the service of others especially
those near you and who are more in need.

Pray with faith and trust in the Lord in these words:

Heavenly Father, I believe in your wisdom and love.


I believe you created me for
and marked out for me the way to reach it,
and await me to give me the reward of the faithful servant.
Give me light and show me this way.
Grant me the strength to follow it generously.
I pray this through Jesus Christ your son.

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