In the first reading, St. Paul is ordered “to stop teaching in that name.” That is, he was to stop teaching about Jesus. But Paul gives a clear response, “We must obey God rather than men.” Paul was willing to face trial and suffering rather than stop speaking about Jesus. The gospel presents us with the magnificent story of Jesus’ love and mercy. Having denied Jesus three times, Jesus now gives Peter three opportunities to show his love. We can hear the strength of that love in each response, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Are you willing to speak with the same conviction we hear in Paul and Peter?