Third Sunday of Easter [C]

May 4, 2025

John 21:1-19

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Some Church Fathers interpret this repetition as Jesus undoing Peter’s threefold denial. However, a closer look at the Greek text reveals that Jesus uses different words for “love” in each instance. These subtle distinctions deepen our understanding of the passage.

First, Jesus does not simply ask a question, but He makes a demand. In His first request, Jesus calls for a specific kind of love. John the Evangelist uses the Greek word “agape”, which signifies a wilful, sacrificial love, that seeks the genuine good of others. This love is not based on emotions but rather on freedom and commitment. True agape requires giving oneself completely, even to the point of sacrificing one’s life. Here, Jesus demands the highest form of agape from Peter, a love that surpasses all other things.

In His second request, Jesus once again uses “agape”, but this time without the phrase “more than these.” He still calls for sacrificial love, but not to the highest degree. In His third request, Jesus shifts from agape to “philia”, the Greek word for friendship-based love. Unlike agape, which is rooted in free will and dedication, philia depends more on emotions, mutual feelings, and shared interests. While true friendship may require acts of agape, its foundation remains philia. Once common interests fade, friendships often weaken.

But why does Jesus seem to lower His expectations—from total agape to simple agape, and finally to friendship? The answer lies in Peter’s responses. Each time Jesus questions him, Peter replies with “philia”. He cannot bring himself to profess agape, especially not in its highest form. His previous denial has left him broken, ashamed, and hesitant to love Jesus again. Fear holds him back.

Yet, despite Peter’s incomplete answers, Jesus does not rebuke him or seek a more faithful disciple. Instead, Jesus meets Peter where he is. He accepts Peter’s flawed, hesitant love and still entrusts him with the mission of shepherding His flock. Jesus does not require perfection, but He desires humility and sincerity. He sees Peter’s efforts and knows that, in time, Peter will give his life for Him.

God asks each of us for the highest form of love, yet we often fall short. Like Peter, we are wounded, weak, and full of failures. But the Good News is that God accepts our imperfect love and gently leads us toward perfection.

Rome

Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Reflection Questions:

Do we love God?  Do we love Him with agape or philia?  In what ways do we fail to love God? What keeps us from loving God? How does He continue to love us despite our shortcomings? Can we recall a moment in our life when God’s unwavering love was evident despite our failures?