Jesus knows that truth has the power to open our hearts again to His love
Most people have wished for a chance to undo something in the past that we’re not proud of. Many have also tried to hide from a past choice and pretend as if it didn’t happen. Some may live with an incredible amount of guilt and regret because of choices. There is a loving remedy to get each of us out of those dark places in our lives.
The Easter Season, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, is a season in which the reality of Jesus’ renewed and eternal life sets us free to be His witnesses in the world. How is that going so far? The reflections at the beginning of this article may help us be aware of what Jesus is trying to set us free from. Some of those choices from the past seem hopeless or unforgivable, but that is simply not true. The living, dying and rising of Jesus are true and powerful. Are we ready to be set free to be a witness of Jesus in the world? Let’s walk this journey together.
If we can immerse ourselves in the Gospel that is offered for the Third Sunday of Easter, we can clearly see the path that leads us out of hopelessness into witness. Healing involves a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Deep, true and lasting healing can only happen when we encounter the one whom we betrayed. Any of our betrayals in life happen as a result of our losing our connection with Jesus. We may not have known that at the time, but in retrospect, we can see that it is true. When we allow fear to paralyze us from acting truthfully, we suffer that relationship and betray the one who always loves us. Jesus visits Peter and gives him a chance to hope again and be forgiven.
I hope that reading and listening to the story reminds us of the feeding of the multitude in which a few loaves and fishes were sufficient to feed thousands. I hope that this story reminds us of what happened at the Last Supper. I hope that the story reminds us of what happens every time we participate actively and fully in the Eucharist.
Jesus prepares a meal for the people in the boat. He welcomes them with hospitality, knowing that almost all of them abandoned and denied Him. He seeks out Peter and has a conversation that would stop any of us in our tracks. “Do you love me, Peter?” Do you remember that feeling of being caught in the act of betrayal, when we have had a choice about whether to hope again, when we must face the one who loves us with our shame, and when a new horizon opens when we admit that our love has really not died? Peter’s interaction with Jesus, allows him to heal in the same way that he betrayed. He is face to face, heart to heart and truth to truth.
Jesus offers us the same encounter today and every day of our lives: “Do you love me?” He doesn’t belittle us or embarrass us, but asks us to speak the truth. He knows that truth has the power to open our hearts again to His love. Be attentive to the voice of the one who invites us into a full, fruitful and healing relationship with Him. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Father Donald Wester is retired and serves as lecturer of homiletics at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
