The Risen Jesus appears to the apostles on the shores of the Sea of Galilee for the third time in our Gospel this weekend. After he makes breakfast for them over a charcoal fire he asks Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!’ is Peter’s response each time Jesus asks him three times if he loves Him.
Peter must prove his love for Jesus by tending, caring, and feeding his sheep!
That's the mission of a parish, too, isn’t it? United in God’s love, fed by the Eucharist, we are sent forth back into our homes, our workplaces and our neighborhoods to feed the hungry, comfort those who mourn, care for those who are sick, and to ease the pain for those who are burdened in mind, body and spirit.
Last weekend I mentioned that we are beginning a Stewardship Campaign called, “God’s Love Unites Us!’
This weekend I have invited Bob Dedrick, Mickey Fitzgerald and Kathy Riggins to tell their stories of how much St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes means to them. You may listen to their talks by going to www.route74catholics.org/godslove
As we are united in God’s love as a parish may we prove our love for him by tending, caring and feeding the sheep he entrusts to our care.