The Gospel for Saturday of the seventh week of Easter is taken from John 21st, chapter 25th verse. 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? When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, lord, what about him? Jesus said to him, what if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.

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? It is this disciple who testified to these things and has written them. And we know that his testimony is true.

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. We’ve been listening to Jesus describe the work of his followers. What are they to do? The clear thing is they need to follow the example of Jesus. Everything else, in a way, is secondary.

When Peter then questions Jesus about the ministry of John, he makes it clear that’s not your business. He has his role and you will have your role. Don’t compare yourself to each other. But simply two words are what they need to do. He says, follow me. Please reflect on these scriptures.

And then I will close with a prayer. Foreign closing prayer. Father, the richness of our relationship with you, opening our hearts to listen to your word, what we should do, of what we need to do, help us to rivet ourselves to you and not to what other people think or what seems more practical. Let us always listen to your will. And as we follow it, we will truly be your disciple. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.