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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, April 21st, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

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Do You Love Me? Jesus Asks This Question to Each of Us

Sunday, April 22, 2007
Acts 5:27-32,40-41
Psalm 30:2,4-6,11-13
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-19

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Do you love me? (John 21:15)

Jesus’ questioning of Peter in such a direct way was not intended to make Peter feel guilty. And neither was it an “ego trip” for the Lord. Jesus didn’t need Peter’s love to feel better about himself, and he certainly didn’t need Peter to reassure him. No, Jesus asked this question because he wanted Peter to look deep within himself and see how much love for the Lord was actually there.

This was probably one of the most encouraging interrogations anyone could experience! Jesus questioned Peter to show that Peter’s love for him really was strong, even despite Peter’s past failures. He wanted Peter to see that while he was human and would make mistakes, his love for Jesus could still cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). True, Jesus’ question must have disturbed Peter initially. But in the end, it restored his faith in himself as a child of God and a chosen disciple. It helped Peter understand that no matter what happened in the past, he could still serve Jesus fully.

Even though he already knows the answer, Jesus asks each of us, “Do you love me?” We should welcome this question. Jesus doesn’t doubt us. He only longs to burn away any unbelief with the fire of his love for us, a love that will enkindle an even deeper love for him in our hearts.

Let’s welcome Jesus into our hearts at Mass and everyday so that he can expand our capacity to love. We aren’t perfect. We will make mistakes. But our love for Jesus can perfect us enough to make our lives a testament to him. As we declare our love to Jesus, he will strengthen us and empower us to take up the work he has called us to. Then, our love for him will become visible proof that his kingdom really has come to earth.

“Jesus, you know how much I love you. Continue refining me with the fire of your Spirit so that I may love you more and demonstrate my love to you and my neighbors.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, we hear these words “So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name” (Acts (5:41). Why do you think the apostles were willing to suffer dishonor for Jesus? Would you be willing to suffer dishonor for Him, because you are a Catholic Christian man? Why or why not?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist expresses his total confidence and faith that no matter what happens to him, the Lord will be with him and rescue him. His response to this is rejoicing, praise, and thanksgiving? How does your confidence in the Lord’s protection over your life (and your family) compare to the psalmist? What steps can you take to increase your own confidence and faith in the Lord? Can you share any examples of when the Lord rescued you from a difficult situation? What was your response to it?
3. The second reading gives us a glimpse of the celebration of praise and worship that goes on in Heaven. What is your reaction to this scene in Heaven? What do you think is the basis for this celebration? In what ways can we as Catholic men share in this heavenly celebration?
4. In the Gospel reading, what do you think was Jesus’ reasons for his questions to Peter? Why the same question three times? Why do you think Peter seemed to be so uncomfortable with Jesus’ questions?
5. In the meditation, we hear these words, “Today, even though he already knows the answer, Jesus asks each of us, ‘Do you love me?’” What would be your response to this question from Jesus?
6. In the meditation, we also hear these words, “We should welcome this question. Jesus doesn’t doubt us. He only longs to burn away any unbelief with the fire of his love for us, a love that will enkindle an even deeper love for him in our hearts.” What are some steps you can take to deepen your love for Jesus? What impact should this have on your service to Jesus and to others?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen