In the Gospel reading, Simon Peter stood out as the leader among the disciples. During the time of Jesus' trial, Peter had denied Jesus three times (18:17, 25, 27). Now on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, he gave a triple affirmation of his love for Jesus and Jesus conferred on him pastoral leadership with "Feed my lambs" (21:15).

The question Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you really love me?" is the same question Jesus is asking us today. As we read, reflect and meditate on this passage, what would be our response to Jesus?

The pastoral care of the faithful does not negate the fact that the cross is part and parcel of discipleship. Like Paul in the first reading, he faced antagonism from the Jews who wanted to kill him. Knowing the new governor's impartiality especially when Festus proposed that the trial to be held in Jerusalem, where Paul's opponents were the strongest, Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. His right was then respected. His claim was to serve as the witness of the Gospel .

What does this tell us today wherein we are called to claim our rights as citizens of our country. Do we really know our rights?