Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday after Easter: Year C
“A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” “He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the 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.” (NRSV John 21:16-17)
As can be seen from a Spanish New Testament and from the original Greek New Testament reading of the above, there is significant difference between the English wording; and the Spanish and Greek wording. In English, the word “love” is used by Jesus to Peter all three times. But in Spanish translation of the Greek Jesus uses the word “amas”(love) the first and second time and Peter uses the word “quieres”(like). On the third time Jesus uses the word “quieres.” So likewise in the Greek NT, Jesus asks with the word ἀγαπᾷς (AGAPE) (sacrificial love), the first two times, while Peter answers with “φιλεῖς” (philos or brotherly like). But Jesus asks the third time, meeting Peter where he is, with the word “φιλεῖς” (Philos).
This shows how much can be lost in English translations. There are levels of affection that are not always properly expressed in English. (Eros – Philos – Agape: different Greek expressions of love) This is so important given that Jesus is the “Word” of God in human form.
Like Peter, we too are not able to meet Jesus where Jesus meets us. So Jesus changes the language to make it easier for us also. This is why Peter was hurt, not so much because it was the third time as the Evangelist wants us to think, but rather, because of the realization that he was not able to return the level of love that Jesus has for him. Neither are we. And nor was it some kind of payback for denying he even knew Jesus when Jesus was arrested. Jesus, more than just wants or likes us, Jesus loves us, sacrificially and unconditionally. And regardless of how difficult it might seem, we should strive to love him back the same way as we should for all people today.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP p. 224)
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 