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Easter III (C)                                                                                     John 21:1-9

                                                                                                           

 When we seek a new place of employment we have to make a résumé to submit to the interested employer. It is all flowery and proclaims all the things we have accomplished. Anyone who works for a living is familiar with this process. If we are subsequently called to an interview, we then have to try to impress the interviewer with our personality. Think about the résumé that is necessary for a modern day pope. First, he has to be a Cardinal of the Church, an accomplishment in itself, he usually has a doctorate of Theology or Philosophy or both. He should be fluent in Latin, Italian, and other languages are a plus, including his native language, whatever that may be. He must have a record of doctrinal orthodoxy in the Roman Church. But most important they must be seriously meditating with their spiritual heart to consider the direction that the Holy Spirit is leading them.

So why is this relevant? Because in today’s gospel Jesus is rebuilding the faith of his first pope, which he has already chosen. Let’s face it, Peter’s résumé, is not very good. He denied Jesus three times in his most critical hour. He is impetuous, uneducated, a fisherman by trade with little management experience. But we also see today that he is humble of heart and a very loving man. Peter denied the Master  three times rather than come to his defense. Thus the Lord asks him three times to make a profession of love. His responses show us that Peter has repented and he has changed, he reached down within himself and renewed and reformed his faith in the Lord, then he humbly returned to God, vowing never again to turn away. 

Jesus’ job interview is simple and to the point. He asks Peter three times ”Do you love me?” Peter answers I do love you, I do love you, and finally, Lord, you know I love you. Why did Jesus question Peter’s faith in front of the other apostles? It must have caused Peter pain and sorrow after his public denial of Jesus. But now, full of remorse and humility, he unequivocally states his love for his master and is willing to serve him whatever the cost may be. But Peter boasted about this before when he made his pledge never to deny Jesus. However, this is a different Peter. His boast now becomes a humble response of, “Yes Lord, You know that I love you,” he leaves the judgment up to Jesus, knowing that his heart is open to Jesus. This is enough for Jesus, for he has read Peter’s heart. Simon Peter has now been confirmed as the first pope and he is singularly charged with feeding and tending the Lord’s sheep. 

The prayers of Divine Mercy state unequivocally that Jesus is mercy itself. Like Peter, the Lord calls us, even in our weakness and sin, even with our poor résumés, to meet with him in the sacrament of reconciliation. As with Peter, when we have repented of our sins the Risen Christ accepts our repentance, dismisses the charges against us, exonerates us of guilt, and forgives all our weaknesses. Then we can proceed with the Spirit, with zeal, filled with faith and keeping in mind the Lord’s commands: “love one another as I have loved you;” and “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” He continues to challenge us to demonstrate our love for him by faithfully, freely, feeding our brothers and sisters in Christ, entrusted to our care. 

Here is a short story that gets to the heart of the meaning of mercy: At one time Napoleon was moved by a mother's plea for pardon for her soldier son. However, the emperor said that since it was his second major offense, justice demanded death. "I do not ask for justice," implored the mother, "I plead for mercy." "But," said the emperor, "he does not deserve mercy." "Sir," cried the mother, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." The compassion and clarity of the mother's logic prompted Napoleon to respond, "Well, then, I will have mercy." — Mercy is a gift given by God when he sees fit, from the ocean of mercy gained by Christ with his sacrifice to the Father. Shakespeare wrote, “Mercy droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven." God’s mercy and forgiveness is overwhelming and given freely because of his great Love for his creatures.