May 1, 2022
3rd Sunday of Easter (Year C)
Acts 5:27-32, 40-41 / Psalm 30: 2, 4 -6, 11 – 13 /
Rev 5:11-14 / Jn 21:1-19 or Jn 21:1-14
ARE OUR POLITICS A RESPONSE TO JESUS’ CHALLENGE “FEED MY SHEEP?”
Word: By the time the disciples share that unexpected post-resurrection breakfast on the shore, Peter has endured his share of insomnia and self-recrimination. His three-fold denial of Christ still generates waking nightmares.
As soon as the others arrive, Peter rushes into the boat, rather than risk more moments alone with Jesus, and insists in dragging off the net with its 153-fish cargo. The Master, his appearance altered yet appealingly the same, bends over the charcoal fire and hums quietly while he works. Peter hustles about, taking refuge in usefulness. “Come, have breakfast” (John 21:12), says the host, inviting them all, but focusing on the one with the deepest circles under his eyes.
Peter’s confidence is restored by the meal. While the others wash down the boat and clean the rest of the catch, he joins Jesus in gazing out to sea. The two sit back on their heels, at ease in their silence, for several minutes. Then Jesus, his eyes riveted on the water, asks in a voice as still as the Galilee becalmed, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15a).
The disciple’s heart lurches as though someone had come up behind him and thrown him bodily into the sea. Oh, God, save me, lest I drown in my own unworthiness! Aloud, he answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” (John 21:15b). Please believe me. Please make me believable. Moments pass. Peter holds his breath. “Feed my lambs,” (John 21:15c). Jesus says.
Unaccountably, Jesus repeats his question in a more emphatic manner. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:16a). Oh-oh! Is this a test? Or does he just need reassurance? Peter gladly responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” (John 21:16b). Jesus pauses again, turning only slightly toward his companion. “Tend my sheep,” he says (John 21:16c).
Waiting now for Jesus to move on to specifics: How shall I feed? How shall I tend?, Peter is genuinely shocked when the Rabbi turns full face and asks in a pointed tone, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:17a). Hurt to the core, the disciple reddens under his beard. But he does not avert his eyes. With the fire-tried conviction of a bridegroom speaking his vows, he answers, “Lord, you know everything. You know well that I love you” (John 21:17b). Satisfied, Jesus says, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17c).
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Order: “Feed my sheep” can be a good reminder to all politicians who are seeking public offices this coming election. Let us carefully consider the official Church teaching on this matter. “Following Vatican II, the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines or PCP II laid down general guidelines governing the Church’s relation to the political community (cf. GS 74-76; PCP II 330-53). Political authority’s legitimate autonomy in working for the common good must be exercised within the limits of the moral order. The Church has the role of critical solidarity with the government in defending the moral order. As a ‘good rule of thumb’ to follow, PCP II proposed that pastors have competence in the moral principles governing politics, while the laity have competence in active and direct partisan politics (cf. PCP II 342). But “both clergy and laity must be involved in the area of politics when moral and Gospel values are at stake’” (PCP II 344). (Catechism for Filipino Catholics, no. 1162)
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Realities: Many of the electorate who possess good conviction are seriously wanting to hear what is store for the Pilipino people after the May 9 election, and not the worsening mudslinging among candidates at the height of the campaign.
Focusing on the local scene, a brother in the ministry said that “with election day barely few days away, the electorate should already get a clear idea on what these politicians plan for Bohol, in terms of development and progress.” He opined that the tone of mounting a “personality destruction” campaign should be avoided.
While the lake mentioned in today’s gospel is a serene spot, most conducive to contemplation. The kind of politics we have is far from being Christian and needs radical transformation. Much remains to be done.
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Direction: Lord, make me an instrument of your presence in the Polls. Where there is coercion and violence, let me sow seeds of love; Where there is bribery and vote buying, let me sows seeds of integrity; Where there is discord, let me sow seeds of unity; Where there is electoral fraud, let me sow seeds of honesty; Where there is duplicity and propaganda, let me sow seeds of truth; Where there is indifference, let me sow seeds of care and concern; And, where there is despair in the Electoral Process, let me sow seeds of hope. (Part One of the Voters’ Prayer, Adapted from the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)