“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” – John 21:17

       Many know him today as Makati Feast builder Randy Borromeo. I’ve known Randy a long time, way back when we were in college. Back then, I already knew Randy had a servant’s heart. He was a guy in love with Jesus, always available to serve in whatever ministry he was called to.

       But there was an extended period when Randy was not asked to serve. This pained him to no end. But he remained faithful and had a strong resolve that one day he would serve again.

       His steadfastness was rewarded as opportunities to serve slowly came. And the Lord blessed him some more, not only in ministry but in his personal and professional life. Today, he has a beautiful family; his business pursuits are flourishing; and the Makati Feast continues to grow in number.

       Want to serve the Lord? There is no need to convince Him we love Him. He knows it when our hearts are centered on Him. And when it is, expect to be used mightily for His purposes and receive the blessings that come with them.

Reflection: “You can see God from anywhere if your heart is set to love and obey Him.” “A.W. Tozer

Dear Lord, create in me a clean heart. Put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Amen.

St. Rita of Cascia, pray for us.

13 King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus. 14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man here left in custody by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation. 16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected. 19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive. 20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and to stand trial there on these charges. 21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

R: The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. (R) 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (R) 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding. (R)

Jesus commissioned Peter to take care of the faithful. Jesus affirmed that this will be a heavy burden for him, but will become light with the grace of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our faith life can also be a light load if we heed the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us be sensible and accept the grace Jesus offers us to follow His will.

The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

15 After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

think: Let us be sensible and accept the grace Jesus offers us to follow His will.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 17-20

LOVE IS THE ANSWER

The Gospel reading today can be called the first (ever) Christian’s breakfast. There they are on the shore, having fished all night, and Jesus is waiting to fellowship with them. The breakfast was an important event for Peter since he would be reinstated as a leader of the disciples. It is equally important for Jesus to hear Peter’s response of love. Love will motivate Peter in his future ministry. Jesus was motivated by love in His ministry and He expected Peter to do the same. Thrice, Peter denies Jesus; thrice, he would respond in love to Jesus.

       Peter has an enormous task in front of him: feeding those young in their faith, tending those matured in their faith and nourishing them. This ministry would be succeeded by the popes that would follow Peter’s ministry of nourishing and tending to the flock entrusted to them. The task of the Pope is great and must be a service of love. One of the ancient titles of the Pope is the “Servant of the Servants of God.” From Peter, the first Pope, to Francis, the current Pope, the faithful would look to the successor of Peter for support, strength and encouragement in their journey. One will notice that in the presence of the Pope, either up-close or from a distance, love is the predominant feature expressed in his life and ministry. The Pope is truly anointed by the Lord to carry on His ministry of love.

       We seek the Spirit of love. The Holy Spirit is the love of God poured into our hearts according to the teaching of Paul the Apostle. Love must be the driving force in our life as Christians. They will know we are Christians by our love for one another, in imitation of the Master who lived a life of love. As Paul would say, “Jesus loved me and gave Himself for me.” Let us pray that we will be a people of love. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you a Ioving person? What areas of your life need to be filled with love?

Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You. Amen.