Today’s first reading must be considered in its original context. In Acts, Luke wrote for the members of a faith community who were increasingly separating themselves from the tradition that they grew up in. And at the same time that the early church was distinguishing itself from the Jewish community, the evangelists were careful not to overly antagonize the civil powers of Rome—you can see an instance of this also in the scene from Matthew’s gospel where Pilate is described as washing his hands and turning responsibility for Jesus over to the Jewish crowd. As contemporary hearers of the gospel, we cannot uncritically assume that we should do exactly the same thing in our own place and time. Indeed, in the last fifty years, the Catholic church has grown towards a deeper respect and appreciation for its roots in God’s chosen people, and (with mixed success) become more cautious about allying itself with any civil authority. Unfortunately, today’s first reading ends before we get to the good part. For Paul’s elegant defense of “his hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,” you will have to pick up the scriptures and read on into Acts 26:4-23.

And now, on to today’s gospel:

The final scenes of the fourth gospel are like catnip to readers who like to sniff out hidden meanings. It’s easy to get lost in questions like: does Peter’s triple betrayal require him to make three affirmations of faith in Jesus? What lies within the variations in feeding and tending the sheep and lambs? Why the cryptic prediction of the manner of Peter’s death?

So today we have a first reading that must be approached with caution followed by a puzzling gospel. Where is the food for today’s journey? Consider the last two words of the gospel: Follow me.

When it is appropriate to examine critically what is presented (as we must with the first reading), when your faith is challenged or when you are simply confused (as is Peter in the gospel), remember Jesus’s words: follow me. He doesn’t say, follow the rules. He doesn’t say, follow the directions. He doesn’t even say, follow my example. He says simply, follow me.

The last two words of today’s gospel capture the invitation that’s been offered throughout the fourth gospel, and therefore, throughout this Easter season’s readings. Jesus’ words are arms thrown open to an intimate relationship. Why else would Jesus ask Peter, do you love me?—not do you regret your betrayal, not have you repented of your infidelity, not are you sorry for your sins? No, the question to Peter, and to us, is do you love me?

Navigating our way through our pandemic lives through Lent and Easter has posed many puzzling dilemmas and required much critical thinking. As we make our cautious way forward, today’s gospel reminds us to follow the God who loves us and asks our love in return.
—BJ Brown

Today’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.