Lord What about this Man : Who is this Man?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Seventh Week:  Saturday*

*Gospel :  John 21:20-25*

*First Reading : Acts 28:16-31*

*Responsorial Psalm : 11:4-7*

*Lord What about this Man : Who is this Man?*

*1) Who is “this man”?*

Most Christian tradition identifies him as: John the Apostle, the witness behind the Gospel, the “beloved disciple”

The Gospel itself never directly names him, which gives the figure a symbolic depth as well: the faithful witness, the disciple who remains close to Jesus, the model of contemplative discipleship

*2) Why does Jesus speak differently about him?*

Jesus speaks differently because: Peter and John are given different vocations. discipleship is not identical for everyone

Peter receives: leadership, pastoral responsibility (“Feed my sheep”), martyrdom

John receives: witness, remembrance, enduring testimony,

The contrast is intentional: Peter’s path is active, sacrificial leadership. John’s path is abiding, witnessing, remaining.

Jesus refuses comparison between disciples.

*3) The Key Line: “What is that to you?”*

This is the center of the passage.

Jesus is teaching Peter: do not measure your calling against another person’s calling. Faithfulness matters more than comparison. Another disciple’s destiny is not your concern

This has enormous spiritual relevance.

People constantly ask:

Why is someone else’s life easier?

Why does one person suffer more?

Why does God use people differently?

Why are some called to public ministry and others to hidden prayer?

Jesus answers: “You follow me.” That is the heart of Christian discipleship.

*4) Did Jesus mean John would never die?*

No. The Gospel itself immediately clarifies this misunderstanding: “Jesus did not say to him that he would not die…”

Apparently an early rumor spread that the beloved disciple would live until Christ returned.

The author corrects it carefully.

Jesus was speaking hypothetically: “If I want him to remain…”

The emphasis is not on John’s immortality. The emphasis is: Peter must not be distracted by another disciple’s destiny.

*5) Symbolic Meaning*

Many theologians see Peter and the Beloved Disciple as representing two dimensions of the Church:

Peter : authority, mission, shepherding, visible leadership, action

The Beloved Disciple: contemplation, intimacy with Christ, spiritual insight, faithful witness, love

The Church needs both.

*6) Spiritual Reflections*

*A) God does not deal with everyone the same way* 

Christ calls each person uniquely.

Some are called to: suffering, leadership, hiddenness, scholarship, family life, silence, public witness. Comparison destroys peace.

*B) Curiosity about others can distract from obedience* 

 Peter has just heard about his martyrdom. Immediately he asks: “What about him?” This is deeply human. We often avoid our own calling by focusing on others. 

Jesus redirects Peter back to himself: “Follow me.”

*C) Love and leadership are different gifts*

Peter loves Jesus passionately but impulsively. The beloved disciple is quieter and more contemplative.

Jesus values both.

This is important spiritually: Not all holiness looks the same. Not all disciples serve in the same way

*7) Relevance Today*

This passage speaks powerfully against: jealousy, comparison, competition in ministry, anxiety about destiny

Its message is timeless: Your task is not to understand everyone else’s path. Your task is to follow Christ faithfully in your own path.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*