Feed My Sheep
Ordinary Time • Week 14
“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?’ … Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
—John 21:17
Collect
O God, the King of glory, who exalted your only Son Jesus Christ to your heavenly kingdom: Fix our hearts where he is seated at your right hand, and send us forth to bear witness to his reign until he comes again in glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 51:10–17
World English Bible (WEB)
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a right spirit within me.
11 Don’t throw me from your presence,
and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation.
Uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways.
Sinners shall be converted to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation.
My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 Lord, open my lips.
My mouth shall declare your praise.
16 For you don’t delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it.
You have no pleasure in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
John 21:15–19
World English Bible (WEB)
15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, who restore those who have fallen and entrust them again with your service, grant us repentant hearts, steadfast love, and faithful hands to tend your flock; for you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.