In today’s Gospel, Jesus made a remark on Peter when he asked about what would happen to the beloved disciple of Jesus. Peter seemed to be out of focus because he was just commissioned by Jesus to take good care of his flock and now, he was wondering what would happen to the beloved disciple.

Like Peter, I also had a similar experience. Before, I used to compare my achievements with my colleagues. I used to count other’s blessings than that of mine. Then I realized that like Peter and the beloved disciple, everyone is called by God. In God’s own way and wisdom, we are uniquely called. One may have a different calling from the other yet all of us are called. We may ask: called for what? We are all called to love God. I started to question myself: Why am I fond of looking at other’s blessings when I do also have a blessing from God.

The 30-Day retreat that our batch had just finished is a testament of God’s love. It made me realize that God who loves me is the One who created me and wants to share His life with me forever. I also learned from this retreat that I should only want and choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.

Now, the invitation for me is not to count the blessings of others but to help others receive their blessings by being focused on the call that God gave me. Even though I am not worthy of the call, He still called me, for I am a loved and called sinner.

By: Sem. Peter Collin C. Crisostomo

Today’s Gospel

Jn 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved,
the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper
and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “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.”
So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.
But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,
just “What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things
and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.
There are also 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.