After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” // John 21:15
We had all just finished dinner, and I was talking afterwards with a Sister of Life. As we were talking, one of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity’s letters came up where she mentions Saint Peter in today’s Gospel passage, excerpted today for you below:
He tells you: “Let yourself be loved more than these! That is, without fearing that any obstacle will be a hindrance to it, for I am free to pour out My love on whom I wish! ‘Let yourself be loved more than these’ is your vocation. It is in being faithful to it that you will make Me happy for you will magnify the power of My love. This love can rebuild what you have destroyed. Let yourself be loved more than these.” (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, The Complete Works, Volume 1, page 179).
Jesus encountered Simon again because He loved him. The Risen Lord desired to redeem his threefold betrayal during His Passion with this threefold conversion merited by His Death and Resurrection. On that seashore, He reminded Simon, Son of John, of his identity as Peter. In His Presence, Simon Peter was loved by the Love that knows no end.
Christ Our Savior, remind each of us of our identity like You reminded Simon of his as Peter. Save us from the idols and distractions that take our hearts’ gaze away from You. Give us the grace to let Your love permeate our lives so that we may find rest in Your invitation and joy in Your mission to us: “Follow Me” (John 21:19).
Senite Sahlezghi is a consecrated virgin for the Archdiocese of Denver. Native to Colorado, she is a first generation Eritrean American, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s in Counseling Psychology, and serves as the School Counselor for St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School. Grateful to be in a place surrounded by mountains and live music, the greatest privilege of her life remains being called to be Christ’s bride.
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