Come Follow Me (John 21:15) by Steve Castle

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” ~ John 21:15  (full readings)

Steve’s Reflections:  In today’s Gospel we see the beautiful reconciliation between two close friends; Jesus and Peter.  They had spent the better part of three years traveling together and it’s come to this moment. I have always found Peter’s betrayal one of the more tragic elements of the passion account.  Jesus’ most vocal supporter, Peter, denies he  knows him during his darkest hour…even after he knew it was coming!   Peter had answered Christ’s call to lay down his nets and follow him, but when it got hard he turned his back on his best friend.   In the end the man Jesus chose to build his Church upon, was a sinner in need of a savior just like you and me.   Jesus makes all things new and never leaves anything undone.  To this end his words to Peter are a reminder of his calling, “Feed my Lambs.”  Jesus ends his dialogue with where he started with Peter on the shores, “Come Follow Me.”  
* Steve Castle serves the LIFE Group on the corporate board, is a regular author for LIFE Group Devotions on Friday’s, and is the editor/voice of the LIFE Minute. His wife Tina and he live in Fergus Falls, MN where they are attending to their number one ministry; their four children.  Full bio.

Faith Challenge:    In today’s “Me” culture, personal freedoms are valued even over the life of another i.e. contraception, abortion, etc.  What do you need to sacrifice to grow closer to God?  

Sr. Francelle’s Devotion:  Why Worry? (May 23, 2008)

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. 

Feast Day: St. Gregory VII (d. 1085)

Faith Quote:  “…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” ~ 1Peter 2:5

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:12

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (and family): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 and Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.