This Homily, Moving Forward in Mission, was preached by Dominican Associate Bob Sadowski in Dominican Chapel at Marywood in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Morning Prayer on Saturday, February 12, 2022. This special gathering of Associates is one of the last liturgy celebrations in this Chapel as the Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids move to their new Motherhouse and a new chapel. Dominican Associates walk with Sisters. Dominican Associates are non-vowed women and men who desire to practice their Christian faith in the spirit of the Dominican Order of Preachers.
Bob’s message follows. This liturgy was also recorded. Find the link below.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
I love this Gospel passage.
Here is how I imagine it. Just before this part of the resurrection narrative, Peter had thrown on his clothes to jump out of a boat because he realized it was Jesus standing on the shore. Peter could not get to Jesus quickly enough!
But after a nice fish breakfast, Peter’s mood had changed. He hadn’t really had any time to talk with Jesus, one on one, since that awful crucifixion. And Peter knew that Jesus knew, that Peter had denied him three times. I imagine Peter sitting by the shore, deep in sorrow, wondering if his relationship with Jesus could ever be the same. And then, O! wonderful moment!, Jesus comes over to talk to him, one on one, just like in the old days.
Yet, for Peter, the conversation seems awkward. Jesus is asking him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter desperately says, “Yes, you know I do!” Inside, he is cringing at the follow-up question sure to come: Then why did you deny me? But Jesus doesn’t say that. Instead, he says, with utmost tenderness, “Feed my sheep”. Simon Peter is puzzled by this response, so Jesus tries again. “Do you love me?” “Yes, of course I do!” “Then tend my flock.” But Simon Peter is still trying to sort this out. When Jesus asks a third time, Simon’s eyes begin to tear up. He is ready to cry. “How can you keep asking me this! Will you never trust me again?” he must be thinking. But with an amazing tenderness and gentle smile, Jesus reaches out one finger to brush away the single tear that has appeared on Peter’s cheek. He gently cradles Peter’s face between his two hands and repeats: “Feed my sheep!”
Suddenly, Peter understands. It is the same thing he has heard, and has said himself, many times. — Actions speak louder than words. If you love me, go out and tend my flock. Go out and accept the mission to share the Good News of redeeming love. A love stronger than death. A love that elevates the pain of loss and change to a transformation, even to the point of transfiguration. Our old relationship has changed. But now, Peter, you must channel your love into your mission – your mission to preach and teach and heal and nourish others. The Spirit will lead you to find me again and again as you witness to the least of my brothers and sisters.
I can really identify with Peter this morning. Here I am with a community I love, the Dominican Sisters and Associates. Yet at the same time I am overjoyed to be here again, there is also deep sorrow at saying farewell to this wonderful and sacred space we have been privileged to share these many years. We know the many changes these past few years have wrought in our lives. First, COVID closed the access to Marywood. Then the pandemic made it obvious that selling this building was a move required by prudent stewardship.
Now we are on the cusp of a new chapter in our lives as Dominican Associates. Like Peter, we wonder about the directions our relationships with one another will take. Let us, like Peter, allow Jesus to speak to our hearts. And the words he speaks to us are the same words he spoke to Peter years ago. “Feed my sheep; tend my flock.” How do we move forward together? We move forward in mission. As part of the Dominican family, we are not only committed to supporting each other, but in praising, blessing, and preaching. Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare has never been more important than today. Although we may be uncertain as to all the opportunities the future will bring, there is no doubt that the Dominican mission continues to pull us forward. Our Dominican mission will continue to cement the bonds of love that unite us. Our Dominican mission lights the way forward. The new chapter, the new potentials, the new opportunities: they will unfold in light of our steady commitment to the charism and mission of our community. The power of the Spirit elevates change to a transformation, even to the point of transfiguration. And it is the call of our mission that will lead the way to transfiguration.
In closing, I wish to ask you a question. I invite you to give a one word answer each time: the first time: Laudare, the second time, Benedicere, and finally, Praedicare.
How will we move forward with Dominic’s mission?
(“Laudare!”)
How will we move forward with Dominic’s mission?
(“Benedicere!”)
How will we move forward with Dominic’s mission?
(“Praedicare!”)
Amen? Amen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
This Homily, Moving Forward in Mission, was preached by Dominican Associate Bob Sadowski in Dominican Chapel at Marywood at Morning Prayer on Saturday, February 12, 2022. This liturgy was recorded. Click on the button below.