“God’s flock is in your midst: give it a shepherd’s care.” These words of advice from St. Peter to his fellow “elders” are but the echo of the commission given to him by Christ after the Resurrection, in that wonderful conversation “by the beach” reported by John in last Sunday’s Gospel. Three times Jesus asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Three times, Simon Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” And three times, Jesus commissions Peter to feed his lambs, to tend his flock, to give them a shepherd’s care.

Twenty-five years ago this August, at the time of my own priestly ordination, this was the Gospel I chose. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say that “this Gospel chose me.” Over the years, I have come back to it again and again, especially in times of trial, struggle, or weakness; and I am blown away each time by the personal love of Jesus for me, his continually drawing me deeper into the mystery of his love, and his willingness to entrust the mission of caring for his people to me. Many times, like Peter, I have felt my arms outstretched, the Lord taking me where I might not have chosen or even dared to go myself; but he has always been with me.

This has been especially true for me and for my family these last two weeks, as we prepared to say goodbye to my mother, Ursula Lafontaine, who was received into her loving Saviour’s arms on Thursday evening, April 7th, at 11:05 p.m. at the Palliative Care Unit of Mount Sinai Hospital. She was here at St. Monica’s for Easter Sunday Mass, walking on her own, singing along, and helped me in welcoming 22 family members for Easter dinner! Now, she has gone home, to be reunited with her parents, her husband Jean (who died six years ago last week), her son Philip, and all those who have gone before us in faith. On behalf of all our family, thank you for keeping us all in prayer, for your loving support, and for your warm and heartfelt condolences. Mille Grazie! Many thanks!