The question about John

May 23, 2015
Saturday, 7th Week of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Gospel: Jn 21:20-25

Peter looked back and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was following as well, the one who had reclined close to Jesus at the supper and had asked him, “Lord, who is to betray you?” On seeing him Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I come, does that concern you? Follow me.”

Because of this the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, “He will not die,” but “suppose I want him to remain until I come.”

It is this disciple who testifies about the things he has recorded here and we know that his testimony is true. But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, the world itself would not hold the books recording them.

D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)

Most people complain not because life is harsh to them but because they envy at how life is treating others. Consider today’s Gospel reading. Peter looked back and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was following as well. On seeing him Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I come, does that concern you? Follow me.”

In yesterday’s Gospel (Jn 21:15-19) Peter assured Jesus three times of his love. For this, Jesus entrusted to him the stewardship of his flock. He said, “Tend my sheep …feed my lambs.” But there was one condition: Peter must follow Jesus and give up his life for the Church. Jesus warned: “You will stretch out your hand and another will tie it fast.” (Jn 21:18). Interpreted using the symbolisms of those times, this warning meant that Peter would also be crucified. In fact, he did of crucifixion for his faith. But he wanted to die crucified up-side-down because he felt unworthy to die the way Jesus did.

To reach this point of self surrender, Peter had to grow in faith. Did Peter fully understand the implication of following Jesus?

Perhaps he didn’t, although he already had some ideas about the intensity of such implications. Seeing John the beloved disciple, Peter asked if he too would suffer intensely. But Jesus made him understand that John’s fate was not his concern. Peter’s business was to tend and to feed the lambs.

We act like Peter when we compare ourselves to others. Using the fortunes of others as basis to complain to God is a form of escapism because it shifts our focus from the real issues we need to face. Let’s respect God’s will for others and attend to our own challenges for our salvation and the salvation of the world!—Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., DM., MAPM. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.frdan.org.

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