WHITE HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT

St. Louis, MO 63129

1-800-643-1003

Jesuit retreat center high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO.  Since 1922, thousands of people from around the world make annual three-day silent, guided retreats here to relax, reconnect with God and strengthen their spirituality.  A true gem in the Midwest!  Call 314-416-6400 or 1-800-643-1003.  Email reservations@whretreat.org  7400 Christopher Rd.  St. Louis, MO 63129

Both men's and women's retreats are offered as well as recovery retreats.

Take Spirituality to the Next Level!

Weekend Reflection for 6/27/14

June 27, 2014  /  Joe Parisi

Do you love me?

 

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?"and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."(John 21:17)

 

In English usage today, "love" is a very ambiguous word. It seems to mean so many different things with so many different nuances: I love apple pie; I love my dog; I love my spouse; I love music; I love God. Clearly these are not all the same meaning of love! People say things like: "All you need is love" or "it's OK if we love one another."

 

I wonder what Peter is thinking when he hears "Simon, do you love me?" and responds to Jesus, "... you know that I love you."

 

While there are many conceptions of love, Jesus says: Love one another as I love you! This "love" is a love which is self-giving, with no strings attached, without self-interest, which gives everything for the other, which does not count the cost, which lasts to death and beyond.

 

It is only one who tries to love like this that can be the shepherd in the steps of the Good Shepherd. It is only one who tries to love like this that will lay down his life for the sheep. Jesus sees in Peter this great love and so he can say to him, "Feed my sheep."

 

How do I answer Jesus' question: Do you love me? What does this question even mean to me? How do I love and with what kind of love? How do I respond to Jesus?