Readings: Acts 28:16-20,30-31, Ps. 11:4-5,7, John 21:20-25
“When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If it is my will that he remains until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” (John 21:21-22)
Following Jesus is a bittersweet journey. Some days may be bitter, while others are better. However, remember it is between you and God, not anyone else. In today’s first reading, Paul arrives in Rome in chains yet enjoys relative freedom. For two years, he is allowed to continue preaching the gospel of Jesus.
After Jesus made Peter publicly profess his love, Peter must have felt very embarrassed and uncomfortable, especially when Jesus predicted his death. “When you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18). Peter wondered if this prediction was a punishment for his three-fold denial.
Knowing that John was the only disciple standing at the foot of the Cross with Mary, Peter was eager to know if John would be spared martyrdom for being the faithful one. He asked Jesus: “What about this man?” Jesus’ response to Peter contains rich food for thought.
The crosses we must carry are not punishment for sins. Regardless of our righteousness, being a Christian comes at a price. If God were to deal with us according to our sins, many martyrs who were gruesomely murdered would never have suffered such a fate because the martyrs all lived righteous lives. Peter would suffer martyrdom not because of his denial (which Jesus forgave him) but because it was his fate.
Avoid using others to judge your progress in life. We are social beings and tend to follow the crowd. Also, we derive a sense of achievement from knowing that we are doing better than others, especially those within our close circle. Even among Jesus’ disciples, there were rivalries – arguments about who was the greatest. (cf. Luke 9:46, Luke 22:24). Peter wanted to know if John would have to carry a heavier cross, but this inquiry was never necessary.
We gain nothing by comparing. Jesus said to Peter, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” (John 21:22). In other words, even if his fate appears different from yours, you are both on the same boat. As Christians, we all have crosses to carry, but no one’s cross is lighter than another’s. As St. Paul would say, God will never give you a cross you cannot handle: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). When you start thinking God is unfair, your cross becomes impossible. It is easy to think life is easier for others, but this is only because we are not in their shoes.
Find your purpose and follow your calling. After Peter confessed his love three times, Jesus told him, “Follow me!” Jesus repeats the same statement: “Follow Me!” after answering Peter’s question about John’s fate. Life is too short to be lived in someone else’s shadow. You start living the day you discover your purpose: what you truly want, are ready to die for, and want to be remembered for.
For instance, Paul knew his purpose was to preach and devoted all his life to this. Paul did not see preaching as work; he did not do it for a paycheck; he did it passionately. Even when preaching God’s word brought him untold hardships, Paul never gave up on his purpose. Paul would spend a long time in prison; his freedom of movement was denied him, but with his pen (writings), Paul continues to preach even today.
The bible does not say everything. St. John concludes His Gospel on this note: “There are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25). The Bible is God’s Word but God’s Word is not limited to the written text. Jesus said there were many things He would have wanted to say, but He did not tell them because we were not yet ready, and the Holy Spirit was coming to continue Jesus’ teaching. Tomorrow is Pentecost Day. Are you prepared for the Holy Spirit?
Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of the 7th week of Eastertide, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 28:16-20,30-31, Ps. 11:4-5,7, John 21:20-25).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu