Waiting of St John at the Tomb of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Fourth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel :  John 20:2-8*

*First Reading : 1 John 1:1-4*

*Responsorial Psalm : 97:1-12*

*Waiting of St John at the Tomb of Jesus*

John arrives first at the empty tomb, looks in, but does not enter until Peter arrives.

*1) Respect for Peter’s Authority*

The most common and strongest interpretation is John’s respect for Peter’s role.

Peter is the one Jesus entrusted with leadership among the apostles (“feed my sheep”).

John, though quicker and deeply perceptive, waits for Peter to act first.

This shows that love and humility recognize authority, even when one understands sooner.

John sees before Peter, but Peter leads before John.

This moment reflects the Church’s structure:

Peter represents apostolic authority.

John represents love and contemplation.

They are not rivals—they need each other.

*2) Love Waits; It Does Not Rush Ahead of the Church*

John is traditionally called “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Love here is not impulsive or self-asserting.

John does not need to be first inside. Love is patient, reverent, and communal. He waits so that the discovery of the Resurrection is shared, not claimed.

True love does not seek spiritual “credit.” It waits so that joy can be entered together.

*3) Seeing Is Not the Same as Entering*

John “saw” the tomb was empty—but had not yet fully entered the mystery.

When he finally enters after Peter:

He sees the burial cloths properly. Scripture says: “He saw and believed.”

This suggests: Faith often deepens within the Church, not in isolation. Personal insight matures when joined to apostolic witness.

Private understanding becomes full faith when united to the community Christ founded.

*4) Humility of the One Who Knows*

John may already sense the truth—but he does not dominate the moment.

This reflects a deep Christian humility: 

Knowing does not mean pushing ahead. 

Being right does not mean acting first.

Wisdom knows when to wait.

When I understand something before others, do I rush ahead—or do I wait in love?

*5) A Model for Christian Discipleship*

In this single action, John teaches us:

Respect for authority

Patience in faith

Love over competition

Unity over individual experience

The Resurrection is not revealed through speed or cleverness—but through faithful love within communion.

John waits—not because he lacks courage, but because love knows its place.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*