Yes, Lord, you know that I love you (Jn 21:15).

In today’s Gospel, a personal dialogue takes place between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter if Peter loves Him. This question, asked after the denial, sounds very cruel… But Peter, after looking into his heart, says, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Perhaps if this meeting had not taken place, Peter would have stopped believing in himself and thought his love was not real. But Jesus rose from the dead not only for everyone, but also for each one individually. Peter again sees love and friendship in the Master’s eyes.

His heart immediately responds to this look. He understands his connection with Jesus is something greater than just pleasant memories… Jesus asks a second and a third time, wanting to make Peter look deeper into his heart: “Do you love me?”. “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you,” Peter answers fervently. He looks at Jesus again and cannot say anything else. Yes, regardless of everything, love is alive. Standing before the one who knows everything, he confesses love again. In response, Peter hears the call “Feed my sheep.” With these words, Jesus awakens Peter to a new life. “Feed my sheep.”

Brotherly care not only revives Peter’s love but also makes it life-giving. Then follows the prophecy of martyrdom. These words reveal Jesus’ trust in Peter. This statement means that love destroyed his denial. His request to follow Jesus was even heard. What he was not at all prepared for was fulfilled later. Of course, Peter may be afraid again. But this fear can no longer destroy his happiness. Jesus rose from the dead, and everything was resurrected:dialog possible his love, his desires… Such a dialogue can take place with each of us. It can cleanse each of us from all falls and betrayals. He can renew our love and make it stronger in this world. What is asked of us? To believe we can respond to this call we have heard in our hearts. The joy that we feel in the depths of our hearts responding to Him will be the confirmation: yes, it is truly Him