Word to the Wise
Friday, June 7, 2019 - 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." [John]
The gospel scripture passage for today moves from the Last Supper to the time after Jesus' resurrection! Chapter 21 of the Gospel According to John is generally referred to by scripture scholars as the "Johannine Appendix," and thought to have been added at some final point by a further editor. Be that as it may, the church considers it to be inspired scripture just as the rest of the gospel. It certainly has a wonderful poignance to it, especially in Jesus' three-fold question to Peter, "Do you love me...." which appears to balance off Peter's three-fold denial of Jesus during the events after Jesus' arrest.
The lines that I have quoted above appear to predict Peter's martyrdom, which would have occurred 30 or 40 years earlier than the gospel's composition But I have to admit that they speak to anyone who is growing elderly! I know they speak to me, although I can certainly still dress myself and get around to where I want to go! Nevertheless, I find them both challenging and reassuring at the same time! I will be preaching a retreat for some sisters in South Texas over the next week, and I know that many of them are elderly. Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper assures us of his care for us. I am praying that those who will ultimately "dress me and lead me where I do not want to go" will do so with the same love the Lord has shown. AMEN