Seventh Saturday of Eastertide – Acts 28:16-20,30-31; John 21:20-25

It doesn’t seem that there’s much extraordinary in today’s Gospel. There’s something about the fate of St. John and a testimony that he is the author of the book attributed to him. And only two sentences from Jesus. Directed at Peter: “If I want him to stay behind till I come, what does it matter to you? You are to follow me.”

Poignant. In my Christian life I often look to others. Why should I have to stick to one way when another does it in a different way and nobody says anything. Why am I employed on this inferior job and others get better ones. Of course, comparisons are always made against those who, in my opinion, are better off than I am. Those who are worse off I prefer not to notice . . .

The words of Jesus set me straight. If someone else has a different calling, more fortunate or is a sinner, what’s it to do with me? I am to follow Jesus. Not to look to others . . .