Word to the Wise
Friday, June 6, 2014 - 7th Week of Easter - Fri
[Acts 25:13b-21 and John 21:15-19]Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.
The 21st chapter of the Gospel of John has always captured a lot of attention from scripture scholars because it is clearly a piece of work by a different hand but still appears in all the ancient manuscripts. It's almost as if the final editor found it after completing the last chapters and decided not to try and "integrate" it but just leave it "as is." No matter - it is a beautiful scene and the lectionary divides it into two parts - the first part for daily cycle I and the second part for daily cycle II. Next year I'll be preaching on the first part, but please do get out your New Testament and read the whole chapter!
It is poignant enough for Jesus to make the triple question of Peter: "Simon Peter, do you love me?" which seems to correspond with Peter's threefold denial of Jesus during the passion account. But then there is the "Amen, amen...." statement which always introduces something important. As someone who is now in his 70's [71 to be exact], I read those words about growing older with considerable attention! I pray that the "someone else" will be gentle and considerate even if I am resistant! If ever I have felt Jesus' words coming straight at me, these words fit the bill! I have seen them in action with elderly friars and religious sisters who have been informed that they will not be able to continue to live in a house that does not have nursing assistance. There are tears and frustration. The gift of growing older gracefully is precious and I pray that I will have that gift. AMEN