May 22, 2026
Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Gospel: John 21:15-19

Today is Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter. The Gospel presents the narrative of Jesus’ final apparition to His disciples after His Resurrection.

This is a dialogue filled with profound affection between Master and disciple. Recall what Simon Peter did during the Lord’s Passion? He denied Jesus three times, saying, “I do not know Him” (cf. Lk 22:54-62). Yet, remembering all that Jesus had said to him—especially at the Last Supper: “Simon, I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren” (cf. Lk 22:31A, 32)—he was overcome with bitter remorse, for he loved Jesus deeply.

Jesus asks him three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (cf. Jn 21:15A, 16A, 17A). This serves to teach Simon Peter not only to love Him and make reparation for his sins, but also to love the flock entrusted to his care, accompanying them with humility and charity.

Peter’s response—”Yes, Lord; you know that I love you” (cf. Jn 21:15B, 16B, 17B)—reminds us of the Profession of Faith we made before God and the Church when we received the Sacraments of Initiation. At that time, we professed: “We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth… We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord… We believe in the Holy Spirit…” How often, when asked what we believe, can we no longer accurately recall the Creed we once proclaimed?

Today, let us renew the Profession of Faith we made before God and the whole Church. Let us imitate our Patron Saints, generously offering our lives and faithfully fulfilling the mission God has entrusted to each of us.

O God, who by the glorification of your Christ
and the light of the Holy Spirit
have unlocked for us the gates of eternity,
grant, we pray,
that, partaking of so great a gift,
our devotion may grow deeper
and our faith be strengthened.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica