Friday of the 7th week of Eastertide Saint Rita of Cascia Gospel: John 21:15-19In this sacred time between Ascension and Pentecost, the Church prepares to receive the Holy Spirit who unites love for Christ with love for His people. In today’s Gospel, the Risen Jesus asks Peter three times: “Do you love me?” and each time entrusts him with the mission: “Feed my sheep.” Love for Jesus and care for His flock are inseparable. True love for Christ cannot remain only personal or interior; it must become service, compassion, responsibility, and self-giving toward others. This connection is born from the Holy Spirit, because human affection alone cannot sustain the mission of loving and serving people with the heart of Christ. The Holy Spirit transforms love into pastoral charity, making believers capable of carrying one another with patience, sacrifice, and fidelity. On the memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, whose life reflected faithful love amid suffering and reconciliation, we are reminded that holiness is always expressed in concrete love toward others. During this period of waiting for Pentecost, the Church learns that the more we love Jesus through the Holy Spirit, the more we become capable of loving and serving His people in truth and humility. Let’s reflect: As I wait for the Holy Spirit, am I allowing my love for Jesus Christ to become a concrete love and service toward the people He entrusts to me?
Don Giorgio