In Acts 28 today, we see Paul continuing in his ministry, even while in custody. Oh, that we could all have the evangelistic spirit of St. Paul! In the Gospel reading from John 21, Peter sees John coming toward him and Jesus and asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus’ reply is interesting.
Jesus tells Peter, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is that of yours? You follow me.” Now, this reflection is not in the exact same context as Peter’s comment, but follow me here. Have you ever had a child ask that question to you? “But, what about him? Jimmy gets to (fill in the blank) all the time!” Childish, perhaps, but have you ever found yourself justifying some sort of behavior by doing comparisons? Taken to its logical conclusion, it winds up as “But EVERYONE is doing it!”
It’s an easy enough trap to fall into. But we need to make sure that we’re first and foremost dealing with Christ one-to-one. The old personal relationship with Jesus. It seems to me that the proper question should not be, “Lord, what about them?” It should be, “Lord, what about me?” Ask Jesus if this is something that you should be doing. Hopefully, we’ll hear the same answer as Peter. You can choose to follow the crowd. Or you can heed the words of Jesus, “You follow me.”
Father, help us to stop reasoning away our behavior through the actions of others. Give us the grace to hear Your Son’s call to follow Him. Amen.
0 comments