OPA’S WISDOM

MODERN-DAY STORIES 

«After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter replied, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him.» (John 21:15). 

Opa, as we affectionately called him, was very tall, with gray hair and half-closed blue eyes that hid behind his white eyebrows. He had an intelligent humor that was reflected in one of his most treasured possessions: a small notebook of phrases that had been carefully handwritten, in which for the first time I read the saying » It’s easier said than done. “When we read Jesus’s question, «Peter, do you love me?” and his reply, “Lord, you know I love you,” the words that come to our mind are probably denial, forgiveness, opportunity and mission…

However, I invite you to notice that to a certain extent this dialogue also encapsulates the meaning of the Universe. A father speaks with his son. But not just any father and not just any son: it’s love in its greatest expression; without struggles but rather entirely simple, profound and sincere.

We often forget Jesus wants to have that same conversation with us. We could carry out two internal dialogues based on the two great commandments:

1. If God asked me whether I love Him, what would I reply? Would I be willing for others to hear me say it as well? Would they believe me?

1. Do I love those I hang out with so much that I’m careful with what I do and say so I won ‘t hurt them? And if that’s not the case, why don’t I ask God to give me that kind of love, patience and commitment?

It’s true that it’s easier said than done and many people may sometimes say one thing and then do another. Peter said he loved Jesus and a while later had to be reprimanded for other attitudes. But his words showed his attitude and decision, and today he is known for many of his great deeds. God can do the same thing in our lives.

May we draw near to God today and close the gap there is between words and deeds.

May we reply that we love Him, and may He be able to assign us a mission full of less words and more action.