Fr. Francis Scaria

Sky-blue was Tom’s favourite colour. His companions always saw him in light blue shirts. Since the school had no uniform prescribed for the students, he could wear as he preferred. Until he passed out from Class XII all his companions used to fool him and had even nicknames for him because of the fact the colour of his shirt was similar to the uniform of the sweepers and peons in the area. However, Tom was unaffected by all these.

When he was about twenty years, one day suddenly people noticed that Tom had suddenly started wearing white shirts instead of his traditional sky-blue. When inquired he confided to a friend that he had fallen in love with a girl and she expressed her perception that he would look much better in white.

Love brings loyalty, directs our actions and influences our decisions. Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (Jn 31:15,16,17) and got his answer in the affirmative before he entrusted His sheep to him. What Jesus demands from anyone who wants to tend His sheep is strong and uncompromising love for Him. The loving commitment to the owner of the flock is what makes us dedicated to the service of His flock. Have I fallen in love with God that He can influence my attitudes and behaviour?