A Homily for Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Friday, May 22, 2026
Prince of Peace Catholic Church – 8:00 Mass
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission – 9:00 Mass
Acts 25:13b-21; Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; John 21:15-19
Audio Recording
Jesus asks Peter a question in today’s Gospel that cuts straight to the heart: “Do you love me?” Not, “Were you successful?” Not, “Did you avoid every mistake?” Not even, “Did you fully understand everything?” Simply: “Do you love me?”
What makes this scene so powerful is that Jesus asks this question after Peter’s failure. Peter had denied Him three times during the Passion. He had sworn loyalty and then collapsed in fear. Yet after the Resurrection, Jesus does not humiliate Peter or cast him aside. Instead, He restores him. Three times Peter denied the Lord, and now three times Jesus gives him the opportunity to profess his love. It is not a conversation of condemnation, but of mercy.
Many of us carry regrets as we grow older. We remember times when we should have spoken up, should have trusted more, should have loved better, or should have remained faithful under pressure. The evil one loves to whisper that our failures define us. But the Gospel tells us something very different. Jesus does not define Peter by his worst moment. He sees what Peter can become through grace.
This is the heart of the Gospel—the kerygma. Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers forgiveness and new life to all who turn to Him. Christianity is not a religion for perfect people. It is the saving work of Christ for sinners who are willing to repent and follow Him. Peter became the rock of the Church not because he was flawless, but because he finally learned to trust completely in the mercy of Jesus.
Notice also that Jesus does not merely forgive Peter and send him away. He gives him a mission: “Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep.” Love for Christ always leads to service. The Christian life is never simply about private devotion. If we truly love Jesus, we will care for the people He loves. Sometimes that means teaching the faith, encouraging our family, praying for our children and grandchildren, helping the poor, serving in parish ministries, or simply showing patience and kindness to those around us.
There is also a touching line near the end of the Gospel. Jesus tells Peter that when he grows old, others will lead him where he does not wish to go. Peter would eventually glorify God through martyrdom. Aging often teaches us this same lesson of surrender. We gradually lose strength, independence, and control. Yet even these struggles can become holy offerings when united to Christ. Sometimes the greatest witness of faith is not dramatic heroism, but quiet perseverance, patient suffering, and continued trust in the Lord.
What this means for us today is simple but profound: Jesus still asks each of us, “Do you love me?” He asks it despite our sins, weaknesses, fears, and failures. And if we answer yes—even imperfectly—He still has work for us to do. The Lord is never finished with us while we still have breath. Our task is to remain close to Him, trust in His mercy, and care for the souls He places in our lives.
God bless you.