A Question of Integrity

I wonder in John 21: 15-19 Jesus is questioning Peter’s integrity when he asks him if he loves him.

The first time Peter replies,

“Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

For me these words have had me reflect on how have I fed my family and friends?                                                                   Have my words and actions been positive and nurturing making them feel comfortable about who they are and leading them to make responsible choices in their lives. Additionally, when I have been negative have I chosen to be conciliatory and done everything in power to build and maintain healthy relationships?  Thus feeding my lambs.

The second time Peter replies,

“Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.

In my role of education, I often thought my task was to engage people to think and never give up on the dreams. If I could empower them to be independent learners and be passionate about their learning hopefully I would be giving meaning and purpose to their lives.  Hence tending my sheep.

The third time Peter replies,

And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”                                                 Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.  Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”

As a human being to be a good person as a Son, Father, Friend and Educator I am challenged in my faith through my words and actions to do everything with integrity and without judgement.

As Pope Francis says, Jesus’ peculiar message is that God wants to liberate and forgive us, not leave us suffering or impose his will or power on us.  Furthermore, to accompany people, dialogue with them, share their pain, and help them to be free in love.

Consequently, to witness Jesus’ gospel message will mean I will be always acting with integrity.

 

 

 

 

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