Jn 21, 20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
God’s Generous Love
“What is that to you? Follow me!”
These are harsh words—almost a dismissal of our insecurities and anxieties. Is Jesus playing favorites? Edging us out? Hiding something from us?
The apostles wrestle with Jesus’ apparent favoritism. What does Jesus mean that John will “remain”? Sounds like special treatment.
I, too, easily fall into the “I win/you lose” dichotomy. If someone else is receiving praise or an opportunity, then I’m not—and that must mean I’m losing in the grand scheme of things.
But that’s not how God works. Recall God’s words in Matthew 20:15: “Are you envious because I am generous?” How tempting!
1 Corinthians 12 describes how we should respond: “If one member [of Christ’s body] is honored, all rejoice together.”
Our God gives generously and particularly. Our relationship with Jesus is not and should not be the same as others. Rejoice in others’ goodness…and keep following Christ.
—Eric A. Clayton is the author of Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith, and the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, you love each of us individually, and invite us to respond to this love through our actions. Guide our words and deeds that we may always demonstrate our love for you. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team