“Who is Jesus to you?”

That question was asked of me in January of 2018—and I couldn’t answer it.

At the time, I was working in ministry as a liturgy and Confirmation coordinator, and I remember feeling embarrassed. I thought, ‘how could I not answer this?’ But looking back, I’m incredibly grateful. Because that question—that moment—changed my life.

I began listening to how others responded. They spoke with so much conviction, clarity, and love. It made me realize something deep in my heart: I wanted to know this Jesus they were talking about. Not just facts or theology—but Jesus, personally. My heart longed for Him.

And that longing started a journey.

Now, here we are on the Third Sunday of Easter, celebrating the truth that Jesus lived, died, and rose again. And not only that—but that the God who created the universe wanted to be close to us. A God who entered our world, suffered with us, and conquered death for us.

The Apostles—who had every reason to be afraid—weren’t anymore. They had encountered the resurrected Jesus so profoundly that they couldn’t stay silent. Even if it cost them everything.

And that’s powerful… and honestly, kind of intimidating.

The Gospel today speaks straight to my heart. Jesus appears to the disciples again, while they’re fishing. He meets them in the ordinary. He provides. He eats with them. He reminds them who they are. And then He turns to Peter and asks a question that He’s still asking us today:
   “Do you love me?”
    “Tend my sheep.”

It’s beautiful. It’s bold. And then Jesus tells Peter about the suffering he’ll face—maybe not the most uplifting way to end a breakfast on the beach. Unless… unless death isn’t the end. And it’s not.

That same question—“Do you love me?”—is what Jesus has been asking me since 2018.

Through prayer, through Scripture, through quiet moments with the Holy Spirit, Jesus began revealing His love for me in such real, tangible ways. And as I came to know Him, I realized my life had to change.

I was no longer afraid of looking like a “Jesus freak,” even to my then-fiancé. I used to hide that part of me. But once I shared how Jesus had transformed my heart, everything shifted—including our relationship. That openness created space for God to move in both of us. I knew that to enter into marriage, I needed to do so as a woman rooted in Christ. And I wasn’t there yet—but I wanted to be.

And today, I can see how God has gently been tugging on my husband’s heart too. That’s what happens when we say “yes.” It doesn’t just stay with us—it overflows.

Jesus still asks us that same question:
   “Do you love me?”
And then He follows it up:
   “Tend my sheep.”

That’s not just for priests or religious—it’s for all of us. And often, the sheep we’re called to care for are right in front of us: our spouse, our kids, our parents, our coworkers, our friends.

We don’t need to be perfect. But we do need to be willing. Willing to turn to Jesus again and again. Willing to love people the way He’s loved us.
We’ve been invited into this incredible, unfolding story—the story of a God who conquered death to win our hearts. A God who doesn’t ask for perfection. A God who asks for love.

So, let me ask you the question that changed my life: Who is Jesus to you?
Not just in your head—but in your heart.
Not just in theory—but in your everyday life.
And how will you tend to the sheep?