![Do you Love me? I care for you [like a friend]](/media/k2/items/cache/4b9d669f4cb42ee67dd8ed672c0ed3e0_XL.jpg)
(Jn 21:15-19)
Jesus names Simon by the attribute «of John» because He still considers Peter to be spiritually pupil of the Baptist (!).
Despite his oscillations, the Lord puts him back on his feet.
Even with us, the Son never tires of re-proposing a loving and inviting Face of God, capable of astonishing.
For let us remember that the chief apostle had been called to freedom and had chosen the condition of lackey [cf. Jn 21:9 with the «ember fire» in Jn 18:18].
Thus, at the end of a game of reproposals, in the dialogue it is Jesus himself who “settles” for a love of friendship [cf. Greek text] by modifying the double question «do you love me?» with the third: «do you care for me?».
Human love waits for a minimum of satisfaction; it cannot shape itself into pure loss. It waits for little something, at least a nod of approval and gratitude.
No recognition? Then it is the strongest who yields.
'To wait' is the infinitive of the verb to love, because it allows one to be 'born' again.
Human feeling is in a hurry: it regulates its conduct on the basis of the success or perfections of the beloved.
Divine Love recovers, helps one to become another person - it does not break the understanding.
His Calling is not tied to merit or performance.
Even through works, saying «I love you» is [unfortunately not infrequently] a fatuous statement.
Or a sincere expression, but often animated by enthusiasm without deep roots, which on a subsequent test of facts transforms the oath of allegiance into a fragile and uncertain sentiment.
It is the awareness of one's own unpresentability gratuitously redeemed and transformed into the ground of absurd confidence that transforms self-presumption into apostolate!
That is why Jesus asks Peter to start with the little ones of the flock (v.15).
And «to ‘shepherd’» (vv.15-17) means «to feed»: to nurture, to care for, to protect, to foster; to initiate, to risk personally, to defend and to put one's face on - not “to command”.
«To graze the sheep» is to make oneself present, in a continuous flow of references. This is the climate that convinces, educates, nourishes and sustains, allowing to grow and flourish.
«To ‘shepherd’» is not (precisely) to dominate, but food the ideal. And to begin with the tiny flock (v.15).
Well, in order to ensure the "happy" outcome, the true believer, the friend of the Lord, the son of God, does not ally himself with people who matter - then we will see...
Nor must he “fish” proselytes, but rather expand and cheer life.
The fulness of the "result" is the Joy of every single real woman and man - as they are - not “as should be" according to opinion.
In fact, Jesus does not ask Peter: are you a good administrator? are you a good organizer? are you a skilful animator? Are you well-equipped, intelligent, cunning, smart, well-connected, introduced and versed enough to stand up to your opponents?
[A reflection for the scoutmaster reads: «Remember, scout leader: if you slow down, they stop; if you yield, they back off; if you sit down, they lie down. If you walk ahead, they will overtake you; if you give your hand, they will give their skin»].
So God's 'enemy' is not uncertainty, but the pursuit of the “average life”. Quagmire where one does not throw oneself.
[Friday 7th wk. in Easter, May 22, 2026]
