Via Lucis – Way of Light
The Eleventh Step on the Way of Light
The Way of Light, modelled on the Stations (or Way) of the Cross, invites us to meet the Risen Christ. It leads us down the path of Easter spirituality, whose dominant themes are new life, living hope, peace of heart, witnessing to the Good News, and communion with the Risen One.
The Canadian Province of the Congregation of the Resurrection has produced our own Via Lucis, and this Easter Season we want to share excerpts of it with you. Stay tuned each week for another Step on the Way of Light!
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21: 15 – 17
The Eleventh Step on the Way of Light
The Risen Lord Anoints Simon Peter
Reflection:
Immediately after breakfast on the shores of Lake Tiberias the Risen Lord questions Peter about his love for him. Peter responds to Jesus, and assures him three times that he loves him. With these three testimonies of love Peter atones for denying Jesus during his Passion, and the Risen Lord calls Simon Peter to be the shepherd of his people, to lead the Apostles in their mission. The Risen Lord anoints Simon Peter as the first Pope of the new Church.
Each successor to St. Peter is an enduring source of the Risen Lord’s grace and the foundation of the Church’s unity and fraternal love. If we are to be witnesses to the Resurrection, we must align ourselves with the Pope and lean on his authority and wisdom, passed down through Simon Peter himself.
Prayer:
Risen Lord, may the Holy Father strengthen his brother and sister Religious and priests, and may the whole Church be united to him in bonds of faith and love. May he truly shepherd your people towards eternal life.
Through your holy Resurrection be glorified, Risen Lord!
Amen.