In the beloved musical, “Fiddler on the Roof”, Tevye asks his wife of twenty-five years, Golde, “Do you love me? And she asks in return, “Do I what?” They realize, however, that although their marriage was arranged, they really have grown to love one another and that they are and always will be there for each other. Their love has survived good times and bad times, joys and disappointments, successes and failures. It is a deep, enriching and life-giving love.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks Peter that same question and commissions him to feed the flock and take care of the sheep. It is the same question Jesus asks of us today. I am certain that all of us would emphatically, like Peter, answer in the affirmative. We do and always will love Jesus. Still, are there places in our hearts and lives where that love could be deeper, stronger and more meaningful? The great commandment challenges us to love God, self and others unconditionally. Our love for God is a reflection of how we love our neighbor and our love of neighbor is a reflection of our love for God.
As the people of God, we are the Church and we are a Church loved by God. We are also a church that proclaims, in word and in deeds, that we love each other. We are good shepherds of our flock and take care of each other as sisters and brothers on this journey through life. Good shepherds know their sheep and know what they need to do to help the flock grow and thrive. How blessed are we to be such a faithful community of good shepherds! Every day at every moment we answer Jesus emphatically, “Yes. We love you!” Because of this great love, we are growing stronger in our holiness and more determined in our mission. With Jesus as our good shepherd and with each other as companions on this journey, we show that love in our compassion, generosity and encouragement. Yes, Lord, we do love you!