distraction or action?
As Peter followed Jesus, he "turned around..." —John 21:20
Jesus three times asked Peter the question: "Do you love Me?" (Jn 21:15, 16, 17) Then Jesus "indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God. When Jesus had finished speaking He said to him: 'Follow Me' " (Jn 21:19). At that most solemn, profound moment when Jesus was speaking of love, death, and discipleship, Peter was distracted and concerned about what God's plans were for John. "Jesus replied, 'How does that concern you? Your business is to follow Me' " (Jn 21:22).
At this moment, we are on the threshold of Pentecost. Jesus is speaking to us of love, death, discipleship, and life in the Spirit. Yet, we may be distracted by "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 Jn 2:16, KJV). As Jesus confronted Peter, so He challenges us: "Your business is to follow Me" (Jn 21:22).
Pentecost is a few hours away. Our deaths, the end of the world, Jesus' final coming, and Judgment Day may come at any time. We have already wasted enough time on doing our own thing (1 Pt 4:2-3). Focused on Jesus (Heb 12:2), let us cry out with all our hearts: "Come, Holy Spirit!" We desperately need the Holy Spirit to fill us and thereby "renew the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30). Come, Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father, make me want a new Pentecost as much as I want to breathe.
Promise: "With full assurance, and without any hindrance whatever, he preached the reign of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." —Acts 28:31
Praise: Filled with the Holy Spirit, Sts. Marcellinus and Peter made converts out of their jailer and his family.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001