“Do You Love Me?”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
February 9 – 10, 2019
The Gospel tells us many things, particularly about the power of God’s words. Priests are required to preach from the pulpit and not from the center aisle. We do not need props, or use theatrics and special microphones as if we were Engelbert Humperdinck. Jesus didn’t yell as He preached; there was no show or tricks….the power was in His words.
When Christ asked Peter to put his boat further out into the water and to cast his nets, Peter thought it was a waste of time. After all, he had been fishing all day with no luck, and who was this carpenter to tell him how to fish! But, he did as Jesus instructed and caught so many fish that his boat almost sank. After this miracle, Peter was humbled and immediately fell to his knees calling Jesus his Lord.
Disobedience was, and is, the first sin. The Lords asks us to, “Do it for love of Me.” These are acts of love and trust. But…we want what we want when we want it. We want immediate gratification. Sometimes, we say, “but Lord, you don’t understand…you aren’t in my situation…you don’t have the temptations that I have”, and the Lord says “just do as I say.” If we follow His Commandments and the teachings of the Church, it will always work out well for us. He created us so that we can have eternal happiness and share eternity with Him in heaven. It boils down to one question…..Do you love Him?
How will you apply this message to your life? Will you do as He says because you love Him?