Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Apostolic witnessing
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following
them….When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If
I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow
me.” (V.21,22)
Ever heard of
“Keeping up with the Joneses?” Their style, accessories, car, tech gadgets, all
emanate the newest, original, and the most inventive ideas. They are ahead of
the curve when it comes to what they consume. They have the power to shift the
social culture so what they consume, becomes the most desirable product in the
free market. The masses are curious about the Joneses and in effort to exude
them, we compete with them . In the process, we drive the society to
consumerism and competitiveness. Most of all, as we keep up with Joneses, we
become overzealous and resentful about our neighbors achievements.
In John Chapter
21, Peter is fraught with the same dilemma that the modern century faces. After
his resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples in the open sea. Peter
frantically rushes out to receive him, hauls the large net filled with fish,
and later, enters into a private conversation with Jesus. He speaks to Jesus in
equanimity, familiarity, and ease.
Although Peter has seen the multitudes of
miracles Jesus has performed, and is walking alongside a resurrected Jesus, he
is emboldened by the intimacy of the conversation. He momentarily forgets his
place and asks a question beyond the bounds of propriety. Peter’s words doesn’t
seem to motivated by the concern of his friend John, but it seems to stem from
jealous self interest, rivalry, and envy. However, Jesus’ firmly admonishes
Peter and states he shouldn’t be concerned or anxious about others. He rebukes
his inquisitiveness and gives him the strictest, and the most difficult of
tasks: Follow him! Instead of competing with his fellow disciple, Jesus
commands that Peter fulfill the life of holiness that Jesus has commissioned
for him.
Isn’t the human
race all too similar to Peter? Our society will always try to “Keep up with the
Jones” and thus, we become envious and competitive towards our neighbors. Each
of us are too self motivated, self indulgent, and distracted by the
materialistic goods in the world, that we have difficulty following Jesus as he
has commanded. Even as Christians, we worry about what Christ is doing for
other believers, and we do not give enough time for prayer and
introspection. The only remedy to our brokenness, is to truly accept
Jesus, admit our failings, and commit our lives to him through kindness, prayer
and introspection.
Prayer: Lord, forgive our human nature of
jealously, rivalry and competitiveness. Forgive our enjoyment in worldly pleasures.
Instead of focusing on what our neighbors have, let our souls rest upon you.
Let us follow you so that we may fulfill the life of holiness that you want us
to have. Help us to follow you!
Thought for the
day:Through the wounds of
Jesus our broken relationships with one another is rectified.
Tina Suraj, Carmel MTC, Boston