The Catholic Calendar for Friday, June 2, 2006
The Seventh Week of Easter
St. Marcellinus and St. Peter, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
John 21:15-19

A reflection on today's Scripture"

"Do you love me? . . . Feed my lambs . . . Feed my sheep." (John 21:15,16)

Today's readings describe two very different men; their only similarity was their passionate love for God, yet both denied Christ. Paul was educated as a Pharisee, strictly following Judaic laws. Angered at Jews believing in Christ, he pursued "heretics" to be beaten and jailed. Mercifully, Christ intervened, took drastic action to redirect Paul's energy by revealing to him that He, Himself, is the awaited Savior described by the prophets. Paul's subsequent physical and spiritual healing turned him into a powerful Christian evangelist who wrote numerous letters to inform and strengthen the faith of newly formed churches.

Peter, a fisherman with an impulsive streak, expressed his love for Christ by saying he was prepared to die for Him. Jesus predicted correctly that Peter would deny knowing Him three times. After Christ's arrest Peter feared admitting to any connection with Him. In today's Gospel Jesus gave Peter three opportunities to examine his heart and reaffirm the sincerity of his love. This act of mercy released Peter from his guilt and helped prepare him to bear "the keys of the kingdom" as our first Pope, appointed guardian of God's living Word.

God's mercy employs both the learned and the ordinary, the strong and the weak to further His kingdom. His workers need only to be receptive to His grace, humble enough to know that of themselves they can do nothing and that whatever they are called on to do in Christ's name is never to be considered too menial. In consequence, all of our life's work will be considered "holy" by God if we perform it in keeping with His loving will, certain that all "good," personal, familial and communal, comes from Him. We are to be His ready tools, not dull nor rusty, but eager to work in full cooperation with His Spirit's prompting.

Almighty God, as Pentecost approaches, we fervently pray that we may be deeply imbued with Your Spirit to develop faithful, loving and obedient hearts Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)