Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." (Jn 21:1-19)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050425.cfm
The reference to the martyrdom of Saint Peter signals the fate of approximately the first 30 bishops of the city of Rome. Laying down one’s life for the flock is what the office of pope means, following in the footsteps of Saint Peter and his love for the Lord. As we prepare to choose a successor to Peter, we ask the help of the Holy Spirit. This week all eyes will be on the chimney!
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Sunday III, Easter
