This episode explores the ambiguous nature of St. Peter's character as depicted in the Gospels, using the Third Sunday of Easter Gospel reading from John 21 as a primary text. Against the backdrop of Peter's significant role in the early Church, Bishop Barron highlights Peter's initial resistance to the cross and his subsequent denial of Jesus during the Passion. More significantly, the sermon analyzes Peter's threefold denial and contrasts it with Jesus' threefold question of love ("Do you love me?"), emphasizing the importance of embracing the cross and serving others as a response to Christ's love. For instance, the narrative links Peter's nakedness before the resurrected Jesus to Adam's shame after the Fall, illustrating the restoration of innocence through faith and repentance. The concluding message emphasizes the need for all Christians to identify with Peter's struggles and strive for spiritual maturity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them beyond their ego's desires. This ultimately means actively serving others ("Feed my lambs, feed my sheep") as a demonstration of love for Christ.
