Gospel: Jn 21:20-25
PETER turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
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Peter has just been given an important task to feed the lambs (new believers) and tend the sheep (long-time Christians), yet his mind wanders off to John. In his question, Peter expresses a curiosity that smacks of jealousy. What is expected of John? Do they share equally in the responsibilities and the hazards of the mission?
Jesus tells Peter, “You follow me.” Peter is urged to shift focus from John to Jesus. Peter’s main concern is not to compare his lot with that of his friend; Peter’s priority is to fulfill the plan and purpose of Jesus.
Jesus’ reply to Peter’s curiosity question would become the basis of a rumor in the early Church that John the beloved disciple would not die until the return of Jesus. The first Christians believed that the Second Coming of Christ was imminent, so they ardently longed for and speculated on it. What Jesus offered Peter, however, was a supposition, not a promise.
John lived a long life, while Peter suffered martyrdom. God has a unique path marked out individually for each of us. There should be no reason for comparison or competition.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
