Do You Love Me?

In the Gospel of John, Jesus asks Simon Peter a deeply personal question:

"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Peter replies, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you."
Jesus responds, "Feed my lambs."

This exchange repeats three times, echoing the three times Peter denied Jesus after His arrest. At first glance, Jesus is gently guiding Peter toward reconciliation, offering him a chance to reaffirm his love and loyalty. Peter’s final response—"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you"—is raw and honest. And Jesus, in turn, says, "Feed my sheep."

In that moment, Peter must have realized something profound: Jesus had forgiven him. Not only that—He was entrusting Peter with a mission. Despite Peter’s failings, Jesus was elevating him, reaffirming his role as the rock upon which the Church would be built. It’s a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and grace in our relationships.

Whenever I hear the phrase “Do you love me?”, my mind drifts to Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. In a tender scene, Tevye asks his wife, Golde, if she loves him. Her response—"I suppose I do"—is understated but deeply meaningful. Tevye replies, "After 25 years, it’s nice to know!" Sometimes, love needs to be spoken aloud, even when it’s already known.

In my own life, I’m blessed. My wife and I don’t need to ask, “Do you love me?”—we already know the answer. That unspoken assurance has been a steady foundation since we met in 1983. Still, hearing it aloud, as Jesus asked of Peter, brings comfort and strength. It reminds us that love, when expressed, can help us navigate life’s challenges with grace.

While I may not be feeding sheep, we are feeding grandbabies—nurturing them, loving them, and helping guide them into a relationship with our Lord. And that, too, is a sacred calling.