John 21:15-23

The Lord invites each of us to follow Him completely in the ways of obedience and humble love.

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise you that are younger be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' …And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1)

Mission

He asked Peter: "Do you love Me?"
Peter replied, "Yes Lord, I do."
"Feed My sheep", was the Lord's decree,
To His Rock, Peter, called anew.

He asked him this three times to test
Him, as Peter denied Him thrice.
Peter, though hurt, did not detest;
He knew the Lord's grace would suffice.

Peter's martyrdom was foretold,
But John would remain at His side,
Until the day when he'd behold,
The Bridegroom coming for His bride.

On Peter, the Church was founded --
The rock of true obedience;
In John's love, the Church was grounded --
Love for the Bridegroom, so immense!

To do His will is His decree;
Love yields new life eternally.


May the Lord grant us obedient hearts to follow Him, in Mother Church, in the humble ways of love, as children of the Most High.

1. 1 Peter 5:1-5,10,11


(c) Paul Buis, 2005