“What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.”
(John 21:22)
We should not compare our lives with others, but to concentrate on our own unique paths and focus on our own journey. What is of value is our personal experience and witness in sharing the message of Christ. We should seek clarity to avoid misunderstandings, especially in matters of faith. Let us trust in God’s plan for each of us and appreciate the abundance of Jesus’ works.
20 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?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 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?” 24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 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. (John 21:20-25)
In life's grand tapestry, each thread unique, our own paths we must seek, our own peak. Comparisons, distractions, they only wreak, focus on your journey, let your spirit speak. Value lies in the stories we share, our experiences, our witness, showing we care. In sharing Christ's message, in showing we dare, personal testimony, a gift beyond compare. Seek clarity, seek truth, let understanding bloom, avoid misunderstandings, dispel the gloom. In matters of faith, let wisdom consume, in the light of clarity, faith can resume. Trust in God's plan, in His divine design, for each of us, a path does He assign. In His wisdom, in His time, things will align, in His abundant works, His love does shine.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today with humble hearts. We acknowledge that each of us has a unique path to walk in this life. Help us not to compare ourselves with others, but to concentrate on our own journey. Let us focus on the mission You have set before us and the purpose You have placed in our hearts. We understand that our personal experiences and testimonies are of great value. They are the tools You have given us to share Your message of love, grace, and salvation. May we use them wisely and effectively to bring glory to Your name. Guide us, Lord, to seek clarity in all things. Help us to avoid misunderstandings, especially in matters of faith. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your truth and the courage to live it out. We trust in Your plan for each of us. Even when we cannot see the way forward, we know that You are guiding us. We rest in Your promises and Your unfailing love. Lastly, we appreciate the abundance of Your works, Lord Jesus. Your teachings, miracles, and sacrifice on the cross are a testament to Your boundless love for us. May we always remember them and strive to follow Your example. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Hope and faith can sustain us through difficult times. These gives us the perseverance in staying committed to our beliefs, even in the most challenging circumstances. Physical constraints will not limit our ability to spread positivity and truth irrespective of obstacles. Let us always be open to others and to welcome them with kindness and understanding.
16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.” 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:16-20, 30-31)
In the heart of trials, both hope and faith reside, a beacon in the storm, a steadfast guide. Through the darkest nights and the roughest tides, they give us strength, in their light we confide. Perseverance, a virtue, they bestow, in our beliefs, we find the strength to grow. Even when faced with formidable foe, our commitment to truth will only glow. Chains may bind the body, but not the soul, spreading positivity, our ultimate goal. Though obstacles rise, taking a heavy toll, truth breaks free, playing an unstoppable role. Open hearts, open minds, a welcoming smile, Kindness and understanding, worth every mile. In the face of adversity, devoid of guile, we stand together, making each trial worthwhile.
Dear Divine, in the face of trials and tribulations, we seek Your guidance and grace. We pray for the strength of hope and faith to sustain us through the most difficult times. May these virtues instill in us the perseverance to stay committed to our beliefs, even when the circumstances are challenging. We understand that physical constraints cannot limit our ability to spread positivity and truth. We pray for the courage to overcome obstacles and continue to shine Your light in the world. Help us to always be open, to welcome others with kindness and understanding. May we reflect Your love in all our interactions, and may our hearts be a sanctuary of warmth and acceptance. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
God is in His holy temple and observes everyone from heaven. He sees and knows everything; nothing escapes God’s notice. He sees all our actions and will judge us accordingly. We should live righteously, knowing that righteousness is seen and rewarded by God. Let us maintain our faith and trust in God, even when facing challenges or fears.
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. 5 The Lord searches the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. 7 For the Lord is just, he loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face. (Psalm 11:4, 5, 7)
In His holy temple, God resides, observing all, His gaze worldwide. Nothing escapes His watchful eyes, under His gaze, no secret lies. He sees our actions, big and small, not just the rise, but also the fall. His justice reigns, He judges all, before His throne, both great and small. Righteousness, a path we should tread, for it's by God, seen and rewarded. In our actions, let it be spread, by His love, may we be guided. Challenges may come, fears may rise, yet in God, our trust never dies. For in His strength, our hope lies, under His watch, under His skies.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we acknowledge Your presence. You are in Your holy temple, observing everyone from heaven. You see and know everything, and nothing escapes Your divine notice. We are humbled by Your omniscience, and we take comfort in knowing that You are intimately aware of our lives. You see all our actions, and we trust in Your promise to judge us accordingly. Guide us, Lord, to live righteously. May our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect Your love and justice. We understand that righteousness is seen and rewarded by You, and this knowledge inspires us to strive for integrity in all we do. In the face of challenges and fears, we choose to maintain our faith and trust in You. We believe in Your promise to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. May we always remember that Your love is steadfast, Your mercy is boundless, and Your grace is sufficient for us. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: Epilogue - The Resurrection Appearance in Galilee
THE BELOVED DISCIPLE
John 21:20-25
First Reading
V: The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth
ARRIVAL IN ROME
Acts 28:11-31
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Psalm 11:1-7
Reflection Source:
Copilot
