John 21: 1-19

Happy Easter! The three-fold question of Jesus to Peter emphasizes the seriousness of Jesus’ inquiry. To love Jesus is not just a single response – it takes a lifetime of service.

When I was discerning this path to become a religious missionary, my initial response was a very casual “yes”. I was not sure of what it would entail until I reached the continent of Africa. There I was challenged to the very core of my being of what it means to say “yes” to Jesus’ question. From malaria bouts to falling off my motorbike and facing major cultural challenges, saying “yes” to Jesus means not giving up when the going gets tough. The real proof of our love for someone is demonstrated when we stick by them especially when tempted to throw in the towel.

I remember the classic movie, Fiddler on the Roof, when Tevye asks his wife if she loves him. She doesn’t say “yes” or “no”; she just enumerates how she has fed him, raised his children, and shared his bed all those years. Didn’t that say “yes” to the question?

Peter, too, is told that his love will cost him. Feeding the sheep -ministering to people-takes time, energy and a lot of personal sacrifice. In Peter’s case, it means giving up his very life.

I have also noticed that the quality of my “yes” to journey in the foot-steps of Jesus has somehow changed. These days my “yes” has embraced much more of life.

In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 5, the closest friends of Jesus realized that saying “yes” to love involves taking risks to be interrogated before the Sanhedrin. It means speaking up for the truth that Jesus is alive and there’s work to do

“The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins”

For me Peter’s words to the high priest are a beautiful testimony of his love for Jesus. When the apostles began to realize what kind of commitment Jesus had made to them by giving his life for them, they began to return this commitment in their own lives.

“Feed my lambs”, Jesus says in John 21:15.

These days it is becoming more difficult to remain faithful to the life-style I have chosen as a priest. I’m sure it’s the same for you. The call to radical discipleship is demanding as ever before. And Jesus’ question to Peter is scarier now for anyone who professes faith in Christ. But there is one thing I know for certain; Jesus does not leave us alone to continue his mission. In and through the Holy Spirit , Jesus continues to empower people to say “yes” to his invitation. Even if it’s a small “yes”, that’s a good start. Let’s continue doing what we do best as Christians – remaining faithful to the story of the risen Jesus.

“And remember I will be with you until the end of time”, Jesus says in Mathew 28:20.