By William Selvaraj csc –
Readings: Acts 28: 16-20, 30-31; Jn 21: 20-25
The gospel of the day clearly reminds us that the most essential task of every disciple is to follow Christ, at all times, all moments, and in all places. Our wholehearted participation in the Sacraments and our prayer should enable each of us to grow with virtues of faith, hope and love.
St. Paul would clearly qualify faith by work, love by labour, and hope by steadfastness in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 1:3). The disciples of Jesus have the task to remain in love of the master and bear witness to the revelation of Jesus all through their life.
Sometimes, unnecessarily we enter into others’ lives rather than dealing with our own problems. We tend to think about what he/she would get in life. What blessings will God give him/her? These thoughts in a way symbolise the situation of Peter who asked Jesus, ‘Lord what about him?’
As disciples of Jesus, we should never worry about what others would benefit or get. But we should follow him with singlehearted intimacy, and we should make this message known to every corner of the world as St. Paul did all through his life. Through faith in Jesus, we become children of God. The evangelists tried to pass on to us things they saw and heard about Jesus though everything could not be written. This became an inspiration and touched the hearts of
millions of people.
As Christians, and ardent followers of Christ, it is our responsibility and duty to proclaim the word of God. So, let us pray for the grace of God to be firm in our faith and ask for the courage and competence to proclaim the word of God.