Kate’s sermon reflects on the profound way Jesus meets each of us exactly where we are in life, just as he met his disciples after the resurrection by the Sea of Tiberias. Using the imagery of a four-year-old child’s sense of wonder and curiosity, Kate reminds us that we, too, often seek meaning, connection, and answers to life’s mysteries. Whether we are full of childlike questions or burdened by past mistakes like Peter, Jesus’ unconditional love reaches us. The gospel story of Peter’s reconciliation with Jesus by the charcoal fire beautifully illustrates this love—a love that meets us in our uncertainty, embraces our imperfection, and calls us into deeper relationship. Jesus’ post-resurrection interactions reveal a divine love that transcends human understanding, meeting us in our joys, doubts, and failures alike.
Kate evocatively explores how Jesus’ love is expressed in both agape, the unconditional divine love, and phileo, the love of friendship, as seen in his exchange with Peter. This interaction, though perplexing, reminds us that God’s love adapts to meet us where we are, even in our limitations. Just as Peter was gently restored and commissioned to care for others despite his earlier denials, we are invited to trust in this same love that reconciles and transforms. Jesus’ presence in our lives, whether through moments of awe, quiet reassurance, or mysterious grace, is a constant reminder that we are never alone. As we carry this truth with us, we are called to open our hearts to God’s presence, recognizing his love and guidance in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives.
Reflection Questions for this Week:
- How has Jesus met you where you are in your own life, whether in moments of joy, doubt, or failure? Can you recall a specific instance where you felt his presence or guidance?
- Reflecting on the interaction between Jesus and Peter by the charcoal fire, how do you see their exchange as an example of reconciliation and unconditional love? How might this inspire you to seek or offer reconciliation in your own relationships?
- Kate compares the curiosity of a four-year-old child to our own search for meaning and connection. What questions or longings do you carry that might open you to encountering Jesus in new ways?