3RD SUNDAY HOMILY OF EASTER — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: A QUESTION OF LOVE
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa, MA.
Acts 5:27-32.40-41, Rev 5:11-14, John 21:1-19
Our Gospel passage today (John 21:1-19) contains a conversation between Jesus and Peter, structured around a repetitive question-and-answer session. The word “love” features prominently, appearing three times in Jesus’ questions and Peter’s responses. Although the English translation seems identical, the Greek translation reveals different words for love.
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The Greek words for love include Eros (romantic love), Philia (authentic friendship), Storge (familial love), Philautia (compassionate self-love), Pragma (companionate love), and Agape (sacrificial love). In today’s gospel text, “Agape” (John 21:15-16) and “philia” (John 21:17) are used.
In today’s gospel text, Jesus uses the word “agape” in his first and second questions to Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these?” and “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me?”
On the other hand, Jesus uses the word “philia” in the third question: “Simon, son of John, do you love (philia) me?” Besides, “philia” is the same word Peter uses in each of the three responses, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (philia) you.”
“Agape” is the word found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” because it encapsulates the love that motivated God to send his only son to redeem the world. We are called to agape love, which is selfless love for God and neighbor.
On the other hand, “philia” is a Greek word used to describe close friendship or brotherly love. When Jesus Christ was described in Matthew 11:19 as a “friend of sinners,” philia was the original Greek word used. When the Lord referred to his disciples as “friends” (Luke 12:4; John 15:13–15), he used the Greek term philia. And when James referred to Abraham as God’s friend (James 2:23), he used the term philia.
Genuine friendships based on “philia” love are highly valued yet increasingly elusive in today’s world. This ancient Greek concept emphasizes deep, authentic relationships and brotherly affection. However, several factors contribute to their scarcity.
Many relationships today lack the depth and commitment that philia love requires, often due to self-centeredness, where prioritizing personal interests overshadows the well-being of others. Additionally, the demands of modern life can drain the time and energy needed to nurture meaningful relationships.
Jesus encourages us to prioritize meaningful relationships by investing time in those who matter most, embracing others’ perspectives with compassion, and fostering authenticity. Through these actions, we can cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
Clearly, both sacrificial love (agape) and brotherly love (philia) are worth aspiring for. Nonetheless, when compared, “agape” is a “superior” form of love, whereas “philia” is a “subordinate” form of love. It’s not surprising that Jesus uses “agape” in his conversation with Peter because he wants something more than “philia,” which is a selfless love from Peter.
Additionally, Jesus wants to counterbalance Peter’s triple denial of him during his Passion with his triple profession of love. Also, he wants to invest in him the authority to lead and take care of his church, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17).
Moreover, Jesus’ first question to Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15), can be interpreted as a comparative question, implying “more than the other disciples love me.” However, in the context of Peter’s denial during Jesus’ passion (John 18:15-27), this question offers Peter a second chance, inviting him to demonstrate a love that transcends previous failures (John 21:15-17).
So, it is important to know if Peter’s love for him transcends his love for other things (people or things). Besides, only until Peter’s love for Jesus is clearly seen as a self-sacrificial love would he be able to take on a shepherding role like that of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who puts the life of the sheep before all other concerns.
Today, Jesus calls each of us by name and asks us the same question that he asks Peter, “N…, do you love me more than things and people?” And each of us is expected to answer this question with all honesty. Like Saint Paul asks in Romans 8:35, what will separate you from the love of Christ? May nothing or nobody separate us from the love of God. Amen!
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