A challenging question

Today we are reminded of Jesus’ challenge to Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Not once but three times was Peter put on the spot. “Do you love me?”

He wasn’t happy. What if Jesus asked me that question today, now? Peter was upset, according to John’s Gospel. I’d be terrified that I had done something wrong.

Jesus isn’t meaning to terrify us when he asks us that question today. But what proof do we have for him in answer? How do we show him we love him?

Can it be by merely following the rules of our church to the letter? Or is it by not judging others? By praying daily? By really trying to love others, even the ones we don’t like?

As our neighbours struggle together with us through this health crisis, there is no better time than now to show Jesus how we love him.