Pentecost Eve

Acts 28:16-20.30-31, Jn 21:20-25. Today's Gospel presents us with the concluding part of the Gospel of St John, where John affirms that his testimony is true because he was close to Jesus. At the time this Gospel was written, it was a great honour to be martyred because to die as martyr was the noblest way to glorify God. Jesus had just given Peter an important role, “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” Instead of asking what this means, Peter starts to wonder about the future of the Beloved Disciple, “What about him, Lord?” The Lord seems to say, “Look I have other plans for him. You follow me, doing the work I have given you.” To follow Jesus means to walk in His footsteps. Let us like Peter, shoulder the mission entrusted to us by walking in the footsteps of Christ. Like Paul in the first reading, we are called to continue to spread the Gospel in spite of all odds.

The Apostles walked in the footsteps of Jesus despite many challenges and oppositions they encountered. However, the Lord was with them all the way, guiding them and protecting them, giving them the necessary strength and power to carry out the missions entrusted to them. Today, we are called to reflect on our lives and actions, on how we can be good and contribute to God’s Church and not just on the exterior faith only. Peter and the Beloved Disciple had different roles to play. The Lord has different roles for all of us. Rather than wondering what God wants from others, like Peter, we need to discern the particular calling the Lord has given to us personally. Comparing with someone else is not the way forward; we can only be ourselves. The Lord has a unique role in mind for each of us.

May the Lord be with us always, give us strength and encourage us to be more committed and to fearlessly proclaim His truth and love to all those who encounter us! Amen!! Good morning and Happy weekend!!!