“Peter, you mind your own journey and simply follow me.”

Lord, when I keep my focus on you, I cannot go astray. You are the Way and the Truth!

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

 Upon our arrival in Rome,

The captain turned the prisoners over to the military governor but permitted Paul to lodge in a private house with the soldier who guarded him.

 After three days, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them: “Brothers, though I have not done anything against our people or against the traditions of our fathers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.   They examined me and wanted to set me free, for they saw nothing in my case that deserved death.  

 But the Jews objected, so I was forced to appeal to Caesar without the least intention of bringing any case against my own people.   Therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I bear these chains.”

Paul stayed for two whole years in a house he himself rented, where he received without any hindrance all those who came to see him.   He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught the truth about Jesus Christ, the Lord, quite openly and without any hindrance.

 

Ps 11:4, 5 & 7

The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊  

John 21:20-25

Peter looked back and saw that the disciple Jesus loved was follow­ing as well, the one who had reclined close to Jesus at the supper and had asked him, “Lord, who is to betray you?”   

On seeing him Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”   Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I come, is that any con­cern of yours? Follow me.”

Because of this the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die.

 Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, “He will not die,” but “sup­pose I want him to remain until I come back, what concern is that of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies about the things and has written these thigs, and we know that his testimony is true.

 But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself not could not contain the books that should be written.

   

Gospel Reflection：

Gazing Sideways

Old habits die hard! The simmering competitiveness that the disciples has suffered from still refuses to die out in Peter. And with good reason! After all, here is John known to be the “favourite” of the Master, even if there is no truth in such perception. (“Daddy/Mommy always loved you more than me” – isn’t this one of the perennial complaints among siblings even into their adult days?)

We all have a natural and often excessive curiosity to know what destiny awaits the other, and a secret wish that it be no better than ours! As we climb up the ladder, we often look back over the shoulders, not always to help out the one behind, but to ensure that he/she does not overtake us!

Jesus nips Peter’s undue curiosity in the bud by an equivalent of” leave it to me; It’s none of your business.” Our call is to follow the Lord, period. Too much of lateral gaze can drown us, as it once happened to Peter on the waters.