Do You Love Me?

In these times of “zero tolerance” in the Church, Jesus’ action in the Gospel of this Third Sunday of Easter invites us to reflect. It is undeniable that, as a Church, we must flee from sin as if it were a plague. But we must also be aware of the temptation to forever cast aside our brothers and sisters who have fallen. Zero tolerance for sin, always; zero tolerance for the sinner, never.

Let’s be honest, if we were to eliminate everyone who sins, who would remain? We can only say like the psalmist in Psalm 130: “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” Jesus’ action of reconfirming Peter’s ministry to lead the Church, which he had denied three times, is an invitation to recognize that we are all sinners in one way or another, and that we must help one another find the love of God that resides in our hearts, without forgetting that we are all in a process of conversion.

If Jesus were to ask us today, “How close are you to me? Do you really love me?” What answer would we give? Certainly, I think we’ve all had moments when we’ve offended and betrayed Jesus with our sins. But I hope we still dare to answer, “Jesus, even though I’ve been weak, I still want to tell you that I believe in you and that I love you. I know you still love me, and I want to continue loving you.”

Let us pray for the Church’s leaders, but let us also ask ourselves this week: Do I love Jesus more than anything or anyone? May the Lord always grant you his peace!

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM Pastor,
Mission San Luis Rey Parish