Reconciliation takes great courage and may feel scary at first. Yet it leads to healing and new freedom.

Today the Risen Lord meets Peter on the beach. Why does Jesus ask three times if Peter loves Him? Peter abandoned Jesus during His Passion and, in fact, denied Jesus three times.

Today, when Jesus asks about Peter’s love, He is not chastising Peter, but rather, He is giving Peter a chance to make up for his three denials. It is painful at first, but Jesus is reconciling with Peter and giving him a new start. Peter no longer has to feel shame or remain stuck in past sins.

Today Jesus gifts Peter with the ability to move forward and live out his life with freedom. Jesus also gives Peter a mission as shepherd. We know Peter will accept this difficult mission and become the first Pope of the Church.

Am I tempted to remain stuck in past sins? Do I need to be reconciled to Jesus or to someone in my life? Reconciliation can seem scary at first. Today we are encouraged to ask Jesus for courage and grace to be reconciled — it can bring deep healing and freedom.