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Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM

Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

 

This Homily reflects on the spiritual growth of the apostles, . . .

 

. . . especially Peter, after the resurrection of Jesus. The message begins by highlighting the disciples’ joy in suffering “for the Name,” signifying their deep identification with God through Christ. The first Christian preachers boldly proclaimed Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah, calling listeners to acknowledge their role in His rejection.

The homily then transitions to the Gospel story of Peter returning to fishing . . . an act of seeking clarity and reconciliation with his past after the tumultuous events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This return to the beginning becomes a metaphor for the spiritual life: casting nets in the dark, yearning for God, and finally encountering Christ at dawn. Peter’s recognition of Jesus and his eagerness to reach Him illustrates a heart moved by love.

Jesus Draws Out Peter’s Deepest Love and Commitment

The Homily culminates in the intimate dialogue between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?” . . . drawing out Peter’s deepest love and commitment. This transformative encounter reveals that true discipleship involves persistent self-examination, openness to Christ’s probing love, and a renewed call to follow Him with depth and authenticity.

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Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

Christ Appears on the Shore of Lake Tiberias: French painter: James Tissot: 1886

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Gospel Reading: John 21: 1-19

First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40-41

Second Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14

Do You Love Me? Jesus Tells Us of The Journey to Deeper Discipleship

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