Leadership Rooted in Love: Jesus' Question to Peter, Our Call Today - The Association of Mary, Queen of All Hearts

Leadership Rooted in Love: Jesus’ Question to Peter, Our Call Today

Fr. Felix Phiri, SMM

Leadership Rooted in Love: Jesus’ Question to Peter, Our Call Today

The Homily centers on two key scripture narratives: . . .

. . . Paul’s bold proclamation of the resurrection and Peter’s dialogue with Jesus after the resurrection. Paul, under arrest, uses every opportunity . . . his Jewish heritage and Roman citizenship . . . to proclaim that Jesus is risen. His unwavering faith challenges both religious authorities and societal norms, showing that trials can be transformed into testimonies.

Do You Love Me

In the Gospel, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”\ . . . each question probing deeper into the nature of Peter’s love, moving from sacrificial love (agape) to friendship (philia). Jesus meets Peter at his level but calls him higher, toward a leadership rooted in self-giving love. True discipleship, and leadership in the Church, requires putting Christ above all . . . above family, possessions, and even livelihood.

The Homily concludes by inviting all Christians to follow Paul’s courage and Peter’s transformation: to proclaim Jesus by the way we live, love, and lead, imitating Christ’s sacrificial love.

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Leadership Rooted in Love: Jesus’ Question to Peter, Our Call Today

Quote From the Homily

He can only be a leader if he becomes, first of all, a disciple of Jesus. And a disciple of Jesus is the one who loves with the love that is sacrificial. This is why at the end, Jesus says to him. Follow me . . . love as I have loved, give up yourself as I have given up yourself. Leadership in the church is a leadership that sacrifices itself for its ship.

Oftentimes, the world suggests a view of leadership. That is completely different from the leadership of Jesus because the leadership in the church of Jesus is a leadership that is based on love.