November 12, 2026
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
John 21:15
Several years ago, our oldest son was in high school marching band for the first time. Parents were required to help either accompany the band for setup on the field and supervision or in the concession stand. Most chose the concession stand, but I loved being with my son and his friends and other parents. The following year, they asked me to be the head volunteer band parent and I agreed. I did so with the mindset to just be a helper and not hover over or embarrass my teen. He had other plans.
One of the early away games, there was a sudden rainstorm. I was running from bus to bus with instructions about dinner and setup. I stepped onto my son’s bus to shout the information, and he was seated near me whispering, “Hey, dad.” I ignored it to avoid drawing attention to him, but he kept whispering it, quieter and quieter. As I was about to leave the bus, I overheard his friend say, “I guess he doesn’t love you.” So, I immediately stepped back up, looked him in the eye, and said, “I love you, son.” But that wasn’t the end of it. The same friend shouted with almost desperation, “Vincent’s dad! Do you love US?!” I didn’t hesitate, “Yes!” And the whole bus erupted into cheers.
For the rest of the season, if his section of baritones spotted me in the crowd, they’d shout, “Vincent’s dad - do you love us?!” And I’d shout back yes. They’d respond in raucousdelight. Once, they even called from Disney World on their band trip to ask me on speaker phone. Something in these teens deeply resonated with being able to ask and know they were loved. And it’s the same with us. Being able to ask and know, and to respond to others that love is there and dependable is a part of who God makes us to be. When God asks us, we respond by loving those most in need. This week, look for those around you who may be most in need of that assurance in words and actions. Show up. Say it. To teens, to the elderly, the lonely, the grieving, the cruel, and the crushed. We are sent to love.
Prayer
Lord, send me to those most in need of love this week, with my words, my presence, and my help. Amen.
Rev. Brian Daoust
Associate Pastor for Mission & Youth
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