TENTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Forgives Peter and Entrusts Him to Feed His Sheep

We adore You, O Christ

and we praise You! 

Because by the Wood of the Cross and

the Light of the Resurrection, 

You have redeemed the world!

Reading:  "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?'... Peter was distressed that Jesus 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.... Follow Me' " (John 21: 15, 17b, 19b).

Reflection:  The Risen Lord directs His attention to Peter whose embarrassing three-fold denial was still ringing in his heart.  The questions posed by Jesus help Peter to find reconciliation and to embrace his new mission to tend and feed the sheep.  Their encounter reminds us that forgiveness is always available, even for the most serious of mistakes we can make.  This warm embrace of forgiveness strengthens our resolve to be reconcilers and healers in the Spirit of Jesus. Only love can overcome guilt and deception. Only love and forgiveness can make us whole.

Silence

Prayer:  Father, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love and the desire to ensure justice for our brothers and sisters.  By sharing the good things You give us, may we secure justice and equality for every human being, an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace.  Grant this through Christ our Lord.

All:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
An angel clad in white they see,
Who sat and spoke unto the three,
Your Lord has gone to Galilee, Alleluia!

NEXT:  ELEVENTH STATION OF VIA LUCIS: The Risen Lord Sends the Disciples into the World