February 13, 2017 (Monday)
In the movie Fiddler on the Roof, Teyve asks Golde, his wife of 25 years, “Do you love me?” six times. It was important for him to hear her say those words.
A song that dates from 1930 features these lines:
Three little words
Eight little letters
Which simply mean I love you *
Those three words were very familiar to the apostle Peter. Jesus required his saying them three times. Once was not enough. Not even twice. Three recitals were necessary, because Peter had denied that he even knew Jesus three times.
Perhaps this was Jesus’ way of getting Peter to see for himself that he genuinely loved Jesus. He would never forget those denials, but he would always remember those three affirmations of his love for Jesus.
Tomorrow, Valentine’s Day, will bring the recital of these three little words by millions of people as they promise their love once again. You know, you really can’t say, “I love you,” too often to your loved ones. And to the Lord.
*(Click here to hear Ella sing the song in case you don’t remember it)