Sylvia Artiles ’14 M.A.
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” And as a hospital chaplain, I’ve often heard people ask, “Does God love me?” It breaks my heart each time and makes me wonder what could possibly give assurance in times of distress when all seems uncertain.
Then I think of my grandma and summers sitting outside drinking coffee. One time, she had an epiphany: “Hey! Can you imagine if Castro never took over, and I was never forced to leave my country?” I smiled, waiting for the punchline. “We would be sitting together right now, hearing the ocean waves. And you would call me ‘Abuela’ instead of ‘Grandma.’ How wonderful would that be?!”
I couldn’t help but laugh, “That would be wonderful, but I wouldn’t have been born. Fate would have you sitting with someone else.” Her face turned indignant, distressed that I could suggest such a thing. I tried to assure her, “That’s okay, Grandma. It’s okay that life could have turned out differently, no?” But she was hurt at the thought. “No!” she demanded. “Oye, no matter what, you would be with me.” It was then I realized how much my grandmother loved me. To imagine a world without us together was unacceptable. “You’re right, Grandma. I love you.”
Like Jesus’ interaction with Peter, such conversations invite an expanded vision of love and a strengthening of the relationship. I believe they also signify the presence of the Holy Spirit giving strength and assurance during difficult times. They remind us we are loved and invite us to renew our love for one another.