There is a play on words in today’s Gospel episode that only is understood in the original language (John 21:1-19).
When Jesus first asks Peter, “Do you love me,” he says, “agapas-me,” meaning “Do you love me totally and unconditionally.” (v 15).
Prior to his triple courtyard denial of Jesus the self-sure and self-reliant Peter most assuredly would have responded yes I love you in the way – agapo-se!
However, Peter knows well his own fragility and brokenness and responds, “Lord, you know that I love you,” (v. 15) – philo-se, a lesser type of friendship love (think: Phila-delphia …city of brotherly love).
A second time Jesus asks Peter, “Simon, do you love me?” Jesus again says, “agapas-me,” meaning, “Do you totally, completely and unconditionally love me?” (v. 16) Peter again responds, “Kyrie, philo-se,” (v. 16) – that is, “Lord, I love you as I am able as a good friend.”
The third time, however, Jesus uses a different verb and asks Peter, “Phileis-me?” (v. 17)
Note carefully, it is not Peter who alters the verb “love”; Jesus changes the verb “love” to meet Peter where Peter is.
In Greek, the word “phileo” means friendship love, not unconditioned all-encompassing love. The biblical word “agapao” means love without reserve, total and unconditional – the kind of love Jesus pours out on the Cross for us and for your salvation.
By using the different word for “love” the third time, Jesus places himself at Peter’s level rather than asking Peter unfairly to give more than he is able as he still shaken by his failures and denials. Peter now knows that his love, however imperfect, is enough for Jesus.
On display is not a test of faith but rather a bold affirmation of love. Jesus recognizes the unopened gifts within Peter and meets Peter where he is. Only now is Peter ready to sent on mission by Jesus who instructs him to “Feed my sheep” (v. 17) and, finally, “Follow me” (v. 19).
FOR PRAYERFUL REFLECTION AND MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION
- What does Peter’s denial and Jesus’ willingness to forgive him help me to understand about God’s Mercy for me? And our parish?
- How do you hear Jesus calling you to “Feed my sheep”? And our parish?
- How do you see yourself advancing God’s Kingdom? And our parish?
