June 03, 2017

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, is that any concern of yours? Follow me!”
Because of this, the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to Peter, “He will not die,” but, “Suppose I want him to remain until I come back, what concern is that of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies about the things and has written these things down, and we know that his testimony is true. But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

REFLECTION:
Until the very end, Peter exhibited a human quality that is guileless and devoid of pretension. He may be the acclaimed leader of the Twelve but that does not make him impervious to insecurity and jealousy. Called by the Risen Lord for a secret conference, he still got distracted by the Beloved Disciple who tagged along even if from a distance. He has to clarify to the Lord his status.
It is funny sometimes how we cannot bask in the undivided attention of God without checking how others fare in His eyes. We cannot relax in God’s love. We need to be affirmed that we are truly loved every time. This anxiety comes from a troubled heart. After all, in contrast to the Beloved Disciple’s steadfast love, Peter in a moment of weakness had betrayed the Lord. He cannot accept the unconditional love of the Risen Lord.