Daily Reflection

Focus on the Mission

May 27, 2023 | Saturday

Maribeth Harper

  • Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
  • John 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.

    Opening Prayer: Lord, thank you for Peter. He teaches us so much about how you work with human nature. Help me to be open and honest in my prayer today.

    Encountering Christ:

    1. Peter turned...?: The Gospel opens with the phrase “Peter turned…” Jesus had just intimated that Peter would die on a cross, and commanded him to, “Follow me.” Instead of responding to Jesus with “fiat,” or even “I’m frightened,” Peter turned and inquired about John. Little children do this sometimes. They ignore a direct command as if they didn’t hear it and busy themselves with the nearest distraction. When God asks more of us than we are willing to give, we sometimes turn away too. Fortunately, we know that Peter, who seemed more interested in John’s fate than in following Jesus at that moment, went on to grow in grace enough to lead the Church and become a saint. We draw consolation from Peter’s example as we hope to become saints someday.

    2. What Concern Is It of Yours?: Our Lord rebuked Peter, reminding him (and us) to stay focused on the mission. “You, follow me,” Jesus said. Why did Peter ask, “What about him?” Was Peter envious of John? Concerned for John, that he might also face crucifixion? Overwhelmed by Jesus’s revelation and out of sorts? Regardless of his motive, Peter earned a reprimand. Considering the ugliness of sin, Our Lord’s reprimands can be exceedingly gentle. They can come in the form of a spouse’s well-intentioned criticism, a friends’ fraternal correction, a chiding by a spiritual guide with our best interests at heart, or an inspired confessor. Knowing, as we do, that these comments are grounded in the love of Christ, we humble ourselves, thank Our Lord for his wisdom, make the correction, and refocus on the mission. 

    3. Jesus Did So Many Things: John tells us that all the books in the world could not have contained Our Lord’s actions. That was true in his lifetime, but even more true today, as Christ acts in many ways in everyone’s life every day, every hour. Among his most profound acts is the transubstantiation that happens at every Mass worldwide around the clock. His presence through the sacraments sanctifies souls continually. And he acts among nonbelievers in the good they do and the love they share. Even in those spiritually dead, Jesus is entombed. “He remains in all those who are tempted: in those who are in mortal sin, he is in the tomb. We should never come to a sinner without the reverence we would take to the Holy Sepulchre.” – Caryll Houselander

    Conversing with Christ: Lord, you remind me to keep my eyes on you in these Gospel verses. I get frightened, overwhelmed, and easily distracted from my everyday mission— to love those you put in my path. Please let me know when I’ve stepped out of line. I want to do your will, but I’m weak. Come Holy Spirit!

    Resolution: Lord, today, by our grace, I will do a thorough examination of my conscience to see where I can reorient my thoughts and actions toward you.

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