Homily: Seventh Friday of Easter

Seventh Friday of Easter (Jn. 21:15-19) “Humbler and Wiser”

Have we ever asked anyone three times in a row if they love us. Usually, one affirmation of love is enough. We can imagine that Peter was uncomfortable being asked the same question three times in a row. Why did Jesus ask the question three times?

We could speculate that Jesus asked the question three times because Peter had denied him three times on the night Jesus was arrested. It was a subtle reminder for Peter that what he said would never happen did indeed happen.

Peter needed to look at things differently. Peter needed to get beyond the comparisons and competition. We remember that when Peter said, earlier in the Gospel, that he would not deny Jesus he said, “Even though everyone else denies you I will never deny you.”

Jesus asks the questions in a very nuanced way. He says, “Peter, do you love me more than these.” Peter had thought that he was braver and more committed than all the other apostles, but he had come up short.

Peter is forced to show compunction. Compunction is a word that alludes to the experience of feeling deflated. We could compare it to air being let out of a balloon.

When Peter is humbled, he learns the meaning of Jesus words when our Lord said, “The one who exalts himself will be humbled and the one who humbles himself shall be exalted.

Peter had an inflated ego. Once he realized he could be as weak as anyone else, that he was a sinner, he became the greatest of leaders. It was when Peter exercised humility that he learned that he could not depend on his own strength but that he had to depend on his relationship with Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Have I ever been humiliated? How did it feel?

2.    How have I learned humility? Am I a better person now?

 Dear Parishioners,

             In June we will be having another Stewardship Sunday. We will be asking for people to volunteer to serve as ministers in our parish. One thing that we always need is for men and women to serve as ministers when we celebrate a funeral at Sacred Heart.

            To bury the dead is a corporal work of mercy. Last week we had three funerals in our parish. This taxes the people who serve as ministers. The more people we have helping as acolytes, readers, greeters and at funeral luncheons the better. Many hands make light work. Please consider whether you can help.

            May the Holy Spirit pour out his gifts upon us.

            Fr. Mark