Loving Shepherd

Sunset Tuesday with all the ice melted.
I want to continue reflecting on John 21.  On the seashore the Risen Jesus prepares fish for the disciples' breakfast and gives them some bread as well, in an action that has clear overtones of Eucharist about it.
After breakfast Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and Peter three times says yes.  After each yes, Jesus tells Peter to shepherd his sheep.  The Greek verbs and nouns are different in the three questions and answers and commands.  What is significant is that the leadership that Jesus gives Peter is based on Peter's love for Jesus.  In the community from which we receive John's Gospel, a loving relationship with Jesus is by far the most important requirement for any follower of Jesus, let alone any leader. 
It is worth noting the contrast between this passage and the more familiar Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."  A rock is solid, seems to indicate strong authority.  In John Jesus tells Peter to shepherd and feed his sheep.  A shepherd takes loving care of his flock.  The Greek words that Jesus uses are "lambs" and "little sheep," a kind of diminutive with the added meaning of "my dear little sheep."  Jesus expects a leader, not only to love him, but to love those entrusted to him.  Our present Holy Father shows himself to be a loving shepherd.  The Latin word for shepherd is "pastor."
It's also worth noting that Jesus doesn't give the sheep to Peter.  Jesus says, "Shepherd my dear little sheep."  He orders Peter to take care of them for the Master.  We belong to Jesus, not to Peter and his successors.  In all the media frenzy about the election of the pope, it was easy to forget that.