“Do you love me?”

At one point in our life, we have all asked our parents, spouses, boyfriends, children and friends this question. A question that is always in our mind because we are made to love.  This week, Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?”

John Henry Newman explains that “Love, and love only, is the fulfilling of the Law”. He points out that just because one has faith it does not mean one has love.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” 1 Cor 13:1.

“Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” 1 cor 13:2

Further, he highlights that almsgiving is also not necessarily evidence of love.

“Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” 1Cor 13:3

And, neither is martyrdom or self-sacrifice evidence of love.

“Though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” 1 Cor 13:3

Newman explains that any of the above deeds done without love would be worth nothing.

What then was Jesus asking of Peter? Newman explains that what Christ wants is a repentant heart. A heart that is steeped in God’s love. Faith, almsgiving and sacrifices arising out of love and not fear and obligation.

He adds “Without love there may be remorse, regret, self-reproach, self-condemnation, but there is not saving penitence.” The lack of repentance is due to the hardness of heart and this is nothing more than the absence of love.

If you were to ask this question to the one you love, you want to know that the person loves you, cares for you and is there for you because of love and not mere obligation or fear. A relationship founded on love thrives. As St., Augustine says:

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”

So if Jesus asks you “Do you love me?”

He wants your heart. He wants a heart steeped in His love.