Who are you looking at ?

Thursday March 17, 2022

Who are you looking at ?

“Peter turned around and saw coming behind them the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John 21. 20

After His resurrection Jesus met His disciples several times. During one of these meetings He explained to Peter what mission He was going to entrust to him, revealing to him at the same time what his death would be (John 21. 18-19). This moment was important for Peter since Jesus lifted a part of the veil that hid his future. But instead of heeding Jesus' assertions, Peter turned to John : “Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus : And he, Lord, what will happen to him ? Jesus said to him : If I want him to live until I return, what is that to you ? You follow me.” (John 21. 21-22). Pierre had just learned what his fate would be and the death that would follow. So it seems normal that he wants to compare his destiny with that of Jean ! The temptation is strong for the servants of the Lord to compare their respective missions, the blessings they enjoy, the miracles they have experienced... etc. "Why did God heal my friend and not me ?" “Why did God allow some Christians to have deep family relationships and not me ?” “Why does such another Christian seem to be recognized and appreciated by others rather than me ?” Jesus gave very different missions to Peter and to John. Peter died a martyr's death, crucified upside down according to tradition, while John was one of the rare disciples to die of old age, at an advanced age. But these two disciples equally enriched our own lives, and each fulfilled the mission entrusted to them. Jesus asks us to keep our eyes fixed on Him and on the role He asks us to play rather than on the destiny of our brothers and sisters. His word to you today is : where do you turn your eyes ? Jesus or the others ?

Source (His Word for Today)