Scripture daily reflection

Scripture for May 9, 2008. Friday in the Seventh Week after Easter. Acts
25:13-21. Psalm 103: 1-2,11-12, 19-20. John 21:15-19. Lectionary # 301

Whoever composed the last chapter of John's Gospel did us all a favor
in showing us what discipleship means and how it was Jesus' way of
continuing his work here on earth. The Holy Spirit is the inspirer of the
Gospels and the cooperation of some creative minds brought them to us in
written form. In the beginning of John's Gospel we have the first call of
Jesus to several of the men who would say yes. His invitation is given in
this manner, "What are you looking for?" (John 1:38). Then he tells them,
"Come and see." (John 1:39). The evangelist tells us it was Andrew, the
brother of Simon (Peter) and an unnamed disciple who were first; then comes
Peter who is invited by Andrew. When we turn to the last chapter of the
Gospel we find that this had been an added chapter by someone who knew the
thought of the original writer, the apostle and evangelist John, according
to our Catholic tradition. This chapter speaks in its final narrative and
dialogues about Peter and finally ends with the Beloved Disciple and the
purpose of the Gospel. This is a great literary device to help us
appreciate the call of two of the great followers of Jesus who will run
together after Jesus leaves this world. We end with Jesus telling Peter,
"Follow me!"
Peter is ready to follow Jesus because he has just poured out his
heart to the probing and painful questions of Jesus, "Do you love me?" He
affirms his love within the pain that he feels so he is most certainly
ready to follow Jesus unconditionally now for the rest of his life. But
the surprise is that we are given a glimpse from Jesus himself as to how
Peter will have to follow Jesus and also die for him. It is an excellent
passage for all of us. We need to keep our final part of the journey with
Jesus before our eyes. The words of Jesus fit those who are advancing in
age, but are to continue on mission with the Lord. Gifts of youth and
mature years seem to pass so quickly when we look about us at the graying
of our friends; not to mention our own! Let us then listen to Jesus as he
speaks to Peter for the last time. "(Peter), very truly, I tell you, when
you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you
wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and
someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not
wish to go. (Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which he
would glorify God.). After this he said to him, "FOLLOW ME." May our
listening hearts take up the call of Jesus today and every day of our
lives. Amen.