Frederick, Maryland, United States - Daily Mass Reading & Catholic Meditation “The Word Among Us” for Friday, 6 June 2014

Frederick, Maryland, United States - Daily Mass Reading & Catholic Meditation “The Word Among Us” for Friday, 6 June 2014
Meditations: John 21:15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.
He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?”
He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.”
He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?”
Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Saint Norbert, Bishop
Do you love me? … Feed my sheep. (John 21:17)
With each repeated question, Peter’s eyes swelled with tears, and his voice trembled. After proudly announcing at the Last Supper that he would lay down his life for Jesus, he is now ashamed at having denied him three times. Somber yet full of compassion, Jesus doesn’t scold or rebuke him. Instead, he allows him to confirm to Jesus—and, more important, to himself—that he really does love the Lord.
So Jesus forgives and encourages Peter as he had done many times before. Just think: after seeing so many mistakes and “public-relations disasters,” we might have written Peter off by now. But not Jesus. He had no intention of letting Peter’s past sins or weaknesses change the mission he had for him.
This is how Jesus treats us as well. He doesn’t judge us by our past mistakes. He doesn’t see us as the world sees us. Rather, he sees into our hearts. He sees our potential. He sees our love. He sees our desire for holiness. We don’t have to collapse after one failure—or two or three or four! No, after each mistake, Jesus asks, “What can you learn?” And every time we repent, he offers mercy and forgiveness—seventy times seven times, if necessary! He never tires of helping us overcome our weaknesses. Think of St. Philip Neri, who upon waking each morning would say, “Lord, keep your hands over Philip this day; for if not, Philip will betray you.”
Despite your own betrayals, quirks, and missteps, Jesus has a perfect plan for you! You may not be destined to become pope, but you may be called to serve in a new ministry. You may be called to a hidden life of prayer and sacrifice. You may be called to make a difference in your home or workplace. Whatever it is, and no matter what rough patches you’ve been through, Jesus will never give up on you! He holds you in the palm of his hand. He offers you all the confidence and encouragement you need to press on. So take some time today to step away from the mistakes of your past. Instead, profess your love for Jesus, and ponder the wonderful calling he has for your life.
May we never forget the mercy of God!
“Jesus, I love you, I love you, I love you! Keep your hand over me today, so that I may be faithful and follow wherever you lead me.” Amen.
Acts 25:13 Now when some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus. 14 As he stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix; 15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against him. 16 To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him. 17 When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought. 18 Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed; 19 but had certain questions against him about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar.”
Psalms 103: By David.
1 Praise Yahweh, my soul!
    All that is within me, praise his holy name!
2 Praise Yahweh, my soul,
    and don’t forget all his benefits;
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
    so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
    so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
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