This question touches my heart, especially now as I prepare in the seminary to become a future shepherd of God’s people. But I believe this question is not only for me, it’s for all of us. Whether we are seminarians, parents, students, workers, or elders, Jesus is asking each of us: “Do you love Me?”
In the Gospel, we see Peter and the other disciples fishing the whole night and catching nothing. I think many of us have experienced this too. We work hard, we try our best, but sometimes we feel empty, tired, or even lost. But when Jesus appears, everything changes. He gives direction: “Throw your net to the right side,” and suddenly, there’s abundance. This reminds me, and all of us, that when we listen to Jesus and follow His voice, blessings come in ways we don’t expect. In my personal experience, when I allow God in my life, I have made many changes, and he even called me to this priestly vocation.
Jesus then asks Peter three times: “Do you love Me?” It’s a deep question. Sometimes, like Peter, we say “Yes” with our mouths, but our actions don’t show it. We fail, we sin, we get discouraged, and we even betray Him. But the beautiful truth is that Jesus still gives us chances. He forgives. He calls us again to come to him. How thankful we are to have Jesus, who is always with us through the ups and downs of our lives.
And just as Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep,” He also calls all of us to take care of others. For me, that means teaching the faith in my catechism apostolate and preparing to serve people as a priest someday. It became clear to me that love for Him is shown not just in words, but in service, especially in caring for His people. As part of my formation in the seminary, I see this Gospel as both a challenge and a calling. The challenge is to truly love Jesus above all. The calling is to serve His flock with that same love.
In the end, Jesus says, “Follow Me.” That’s an invitation for all of us, not just once, but every day. We might say that every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day, so in good times and struggles, Jesus wants us to walk with Him, trust Him, and love Him with all our hearts because everything will fall into place.
So, I ask again, not just for myself, but for all of us:
Do we truly love the Lord more than anything else in our lives?
And if we do, how do we show it in the way we live?
