“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 did not say 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 things down, and we know that his testimony is true.
But Jesus did many other things; if all were written down, I think the world itself
could not contain the books that should be written.
Reflect
Today’s Gospel reading convicts me. Too often, I find myself comparing my life to others’.
These comparisons happen at many levels. I compare my work position, my home, my
relationships. my financial status, and even my spiritual life. Am I praying enough? Serving
enough? Giving enough? Being devout enough? Is someone else doing more? Am I failing
to meet some unknown standard?
Jesus’ answer to these questions is very clear. He tells Peter to focus on being
the best follower, the best disciple, he can be and not to worry about comparisons
with others. Jesus tells us the same thing. Yes, we should pay attention to our spiritual
lives, but not in order to compare them. Instead, we should just do our nest to be
loving followers of Jesus each day. Some days we will succeed and some days we
will not. On days when we fail to follow Jesus, he is still waiting for us with mercy.
We need only to ask for his forgiveness and try again.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023