“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.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved 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 (Context: John 21:15-19)
As Jesus responded to Peter’s third declaration of love, so we are commanded to “feed my sheep”…with care, food, and love. One finds how much they need to be fed when faced with sudden, life-threatening illness. Life must accommodate changing roles and priorities. Those affected feel the threat and often, some degree of isolation. They crave to be fed spiritually even more than physically. These needs can and should be met by the clergy and church members, the more so. Brothers and sisters can bring food, sacraments, and themselves. Cards, emails, flowers, and phone calls show concern and Christian empathy. Ever greater comfort comes with those willing to share of their precious time for a brief chat with or without a gift.
As the little boy told his mother, when asked what he would do as he went to see a neighbor who just lost his beloved wife, “I am going to help him cry,” so we can do as Jesus instructed Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
Jim Moulthrop
Jim is an active member of the SOC Family and most often worships at our early service. When A4D was a ministry in the Diocese, Jim was an active supporter of the program, serving on the teams as well as providing financial aid to participants.