SATURDAY, SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31; Ps 11: 4-5, 7; Jn 21: 20-25
WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS?
Today’s gospel reading concludes Saint John’s account of Jesus’ life. He states, “There are many other things that Jesus did; but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” In other words, He chose only the signs about Jesus that were appropriate for his purpose in writing. His goal in writing his gospel is to demonstrate that Jesus is God, that God is love, and that Jesus extends His divine life to His disciples. We could also strongly say that, despite scientific advances and advancements, we will continue to find mysteries in our world, particularly in our lives and religion. It is because God, the Creator, has left his imprint on this world eternally.
Someone had stated that these remarks provide evidence in favour of the Church’s reliance on Sacred Tradition. The notion of ‘sola scriptura,’ which holds that the Bible is the sole basis of our Christian faith, is strangely not supported by the Sacred Scripture itself. We must go to the Church’s legacy, particularly her history, witness from the first few centuries, liturgy, and pious practices, in order to tap into the full richness of our faith. For this, we must rely on a live reality that receives ongoing support from Christ through the operation of the Holy Spirit. This is the Catholic Church’s ongoing tradition, which Christ has entrusted to her legitimate pastors, the Twelve Apostles’ successors.
But why compare ourselves to others? Why do we want to be better off than our neighbours? It’s no wonder we have so many rivals and adversaries. Peter and John are both invited to be disciples of Jesus, and each is assigned a separate mission to complete. What is interesting is when Peter doubts John’s role. He questions Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus told him, “What if I want him to stay until I arrive? What are your concerns? You follow me” (verses 21-22).
Response: The upright shall behold your face, O Lord.
Copyright ©2024 ©Springs of Living Water http://springs.carmelmedia.in