Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

As children, we often let sibling rivalry get in the way of enjoying a good relationship with our parents and listening to their teachings. Worrying whether Mom and Dad love a sister more, or is a brother getting a bigger piece of cake distracts us from their counsel to do what is right and not concern ourselves with petty jealousy.

In today’s Gospel (John 21:20-25), we see Peter exhibiting just this sort of jealousy with his brother disciple John when he asks Jesus if John will be with him until he returns again. No matter that Jesus calls him “Rock” and tells him that upon him the church shall stand, he is still jealous at what he perceives as favoritism between the Lord and this apostle. Rather than focus upon the fact that he, too, can enjoy the presence and teachings of Jesus first-hand, Peter needlessly worries which of them will perish first. Jesus admonishes him, “What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”

We should remember our parents’ teachings from our childhood and take Jesus’ advice as we grow in faith: follow Him and not let competition or pettiness derail us from the path to heaven.

Christina Leslie