SCRIPTURE:

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

—John 21:9-22

REFLECTION:

Read the text a couple of times and imagine you are on the beach with the disciples and Jesus. What do you see, hear, smell and taste? Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions that are stirred within you as you listen.

Imagine you are Peter. How do you feel when Jesus keeps asking you in you love him? How do feel about what Jesus asks you to do to demonstrate your love?

In what way have you been tempted to compare your path of following Jesus to someone else’s?

In what way is Jesus calling you to demonstrate love for him by loving others?

What does it mean for you to keep your eyes focused on Jesus without comparing your journey to someone else’s?

Take some time to pray, asking God to guide you on your journey.

(Sharon Garlough Brown: Extra Mile: A Story of Embracing God’s Call p306)