After
the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and several disciples
at the Sea of Tiberias. Disappointed by their lack of
success in fishing, they heard the voice of a stranger from
the shore urging them to cast their nets on the right side
of the boat. They did so, and after they hauled in 153
large fish, they realized that the stranger was Jesus.
They came ashore, dragging the unbroken net filled
with fish, only to have Jesus invite them to breakfast. It
was then that Jesus pulled Peter aside and asked him three times,
"Do you love me?". Three times Peter answered without
hesitation, "Yes, Lord, I love you." To make sure
that Peter understood what loving Jesus meant, the Lord insisted,
"Feed my lambs," then "Tend my Sheep," then "Feed my Sheep.
All of this brings to mind that Jesus repeatedly
asks us the question first posed to Peter, "Do you love me?" He
asks this of each of us, but also asks us to consider what it means
to respond, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," as Peter did. It
means feeding the lambs through spiritual formation, religious
education and our involvement in parish and diocesan life. It
means tending the sheep by supporting works of charity and programs
that prepare couples for marriage. It means feeding the
sheep by sharing our gifts to support the ministry of our priests,
whether retired or generously pastoring us today or preparing
in the seminary. The annual appeal is our chance to say in
one voice, "Yes, Lord, you know we love you, and so we join together
to feed your lambs, tending your sheep, and feed your sheep."
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