Gospel (Jn 21,15-19) - At that time, [when he had revealed himself to the disciples and] they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter: "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?". He replied: "Of course, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He said to him again, for the second time: «Simon, son of John, do you love me?». He replied: "Of course, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him: «Feed my sheep». He said to him for the third time: «Simon, son of John, do you love me?». Peter was saddened that for the third time he asked him “Do you love me?”, and said to him: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus answered him: «Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you: when you were younger you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and take you where you do not want." This he said to indicate by what death he would glorify God. And, having said this, he added: "Follow me."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

The resurrected Jesus appears for the third time on the shores of Lake Tiberias. It is in the place where Jesus met the first disciples and called them to follow him. On that same shore, as if for a new beginning, Jesus meets them again, after their confusion and dispersion, he questions Peter three times about love, as if to reverse the triple betrayal of a few days earlier. Jesus knows well that the only thing that can keep Peter tied to him forever is not a sense of duty or willpower, but the desire to reciprocate with his affection the boundless love he has received. Jesus questions him on the central question of existence and faith: that of love. A request that in truth never ceases, we could say that it must be lived every day. The question, therefore, is not addressed only to Peter. Jesus asks each disciple: "Do you love me?". It is not simply about the feeling or emotion of a moment. It is a question of a firm, strong, passionate bond with Jesus and with others. The love that Jesus asks of Peter is full of responsibility towards the Gospel and towards humanity. After two questions regarding the love and response between Jesus and Peter, at the third response Jesus asks Peter to "feed" his sheep. The love of Jesus does not stop at himself: it is always love for others too. Peter is the first in this too: he teaches how to love Jesus and how to feel responsibility towards other brothers and sisters. The final words open a glimpse into the apostle's future. Peter's itinerary is that of every disciple who wants to follow the Gospel: only with Jesus does one have true life which also passes through suffering. But faith is letting yourself be guided by love. Peter does not know where he will arrive, nor through what passages. He knows that he will also have to suffer, but he is certain that the master's love will make him capable of responding, once again, to that same invitation that he heard the first time on those same shores: "Follow me!". And Peter, once again, leaves everything, even his pride, and follows him.