Do you love me? Follow me!

The Gospel from today's Mass, John 21:15-19, reminds me of the magnificent homily Pope Benedict XVI gave at the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II on April 8, 2005. In his homily, the Holy Father spoke of the many sacrifices that Pope John Paul so lovingly made as he faithfully responded to our Lord's call to follow Him and to feed His sheep. Looking back on this homily, it seems prophetic given Pope Benedict's election to the papacy a few days later on April 19. He also has made many sacrifices in his own life, especially in accepting God's will to be our current pope, and he has done so with much love, deep faith, and great serenity. Dear Lord, please bless them both, richly and abundantly!