Carmelite homily for Friday (Easter V), May 29, 2020 – Lectionary 301 (John 21:15-19)
Today we have a Resurrection Gospel. It’s the well-known scene on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The disciples have come in after a miraculous draught of fish. And afterwards, Jesus asks Simon three questions – do you love me? do you love me? do you love me? He doesn’t ask questions like, ‘Simon, why did you doubt when I told you to walk on water?’ or ‘Simon, why did you fall asleep in the garden?’ or ‘Simon, why did you deny me in the courtyard?’ or ‘Simon, where were you when I was on the Cross?’ No, no accusations, just simple questions. Saint John of the Cross writes, “At the evening of life you will be examined in love.” Just like Simon Peter in today’s Gospel, I think those questions will be asked of us. Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?
