Reflection: John 21:20-25

John 21:20-25 – 7th Week of Easter

In today’s Gospel Peter turns and sees the disciple whom Jesus loved. I wonder what went on in Peter’s heart? Was he jealous of John’s close friendship with Jesus? At times, did Peter strive to be as contemplative as John was? Or was Peter truly secure in his relationship with Jesus? Did Peter understand that he also had gifts and qualities to share with Jesus?

Human beings have many qualities in common. However, our need and desire to be loved is paramount. Without love, we are bereft and lost. We often see this in children whose parents are abusive or neglectful. Without love and care we truly are alone and often frightened.

Our humanity is a great gift, yet at times it also is a challenge. Our need to be special and to be loved is at the core of who we are as human beings. All of us need to know and believe that we are loved and lovable. Human love is essential for all human beings. However, we also need to know and believe that we are the beloved of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

However, at times in our lives, we all have the experience of Peter. Ask yourself: were you ever jealous of someone who seemed to be loved and accepted by everyone? Have you ever desired to have the gifts and talents of one of your siblings or a friend? I assume so! These feelings are natural and normal. However, we need to learn how to manage these emotions or else they will begin to manage us.

Jesus understood Peter’s need. However, Jesus challenges Peter when he asks Jesus a question about John. Jesus quietly yet firmly responds to Peter and says: “What business is this of yours?” This sounds harsh. However, I assume that the tone of Jesus’ voice was kind and yet firm when he spoke these words to Peter. However, I wonder if Peter was able to hear the love and concern in Jesus’ voice or did he only hear the reprimand?

This is the last interaction Jesus has with his disciples in John’s Gospel. John simply concludes his Gospel by saying that he is “the disciple who testifies to these events and has written them.” John also testifies that his testimony is true. There was much more that John could have said, but he ends his gospel by saying: “I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.”

Jesus walked this earth that we also walk on. Jesus is our Lord and our God. And our story, the story of humanity, continues. And Jesus walks with each of us every day and every moment! Perhaps the question for us is: will we choose to walk with Jesus every day?