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.
REFLECTION
"Lord, what about him?"
Theodore Roosevelt is attributed to saying this famous quote, "Comparison is the thief of joy".
We have been taught over and over not to compare ourselves to others. However, to gauge ourselves in terms of learning, performing and achieving a little comparison will let us know if we are up to par and keeping up with the class and others. That's why schools test, have guidelines to accomplishments and goals to achieve before advancing. If we are short and stubby, and the rest of the ballerinas are tall and thin, it is a good idea to compare yourself to other ballerinas and see that you might not have the body for that career.
However if when we compare ourselves by our feelings, envy makes us feel either inferior or superior, then we need to stop, take a look and see if we are on the right tract, right relationship with God.
Why did Peter question what would happen to John? Peter was aware that Jesus told him that he was to suffer and die as a martyr. When he questions about John's fate, Jesus responds " What is that to you? Follow me!"
We are each given a particular task and mission to fulfill for the Lord. John's mission was to witness to the risen Lord, the joy of His triumphs and love for us. Peter's role was to shepherd the sheep of Christ and in the end be martyred.
So, be aware of the dangers of comparison. Be happy with whom the Lord has chosen us to be. Do our best in what He has called us to be and be the best for God.
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