Word to the Wise
Saturday, May 30, 2009 - Saturday in the Seventh Week of Easter
[Acts 28:16-20 and John 21:20-25]"Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me."
Every parent has heard these words from a child: "That's not fair! You're giving him/her more than me!" It would appear that the complaint is an ancient one! In fact, this attitude is pervasive in our Western notions of egalitarianism and individualism. We can't be absolutely sure of Peter's motivation in asking his question. Is it out of curiosity? Or is it out of resentment, because Jesus has just predicted Peter's manner of death and Peter thinks the Beloved Disciple is getting an unfair advantage? The Gospel itself puts the answer bluntly, "What concern is it of yours? Follow me!" Concern for the eternal destiny of others is normal for a person of faith. It's the reason we preach the gospel! We do not, however, have some "right" to question the particular "judgments" of God in regard to any other person. We can only pray for them and wish the best for them which is the obligation of love. We can be sure that God loves them, too. The same thing pertains to the "gifts" that others may have which might excite envy in us. These are really a matter of perception as to whether or not someone else has an "unfair" advantage because we think God has been more generous to them than to us. The response is the same. We must follow the Lord with whatever gifts WE have and leave the determination of gifts and destinies to God. AMEN