Daily Gospel Reflection for May 30, 2020

Reflection by Sr. Nancy Usselmann

Today's Gospel: John 21:20-25

When we pray for those we love and ask the Lord for their needs, we believe in His loving care for them, even if they do not have the faith to pray for themselves. Intercessory prayer is that gift we can give another, and Jesus wants us to pray for others. This means we have faith that He will take care. But, how often do we pray with worry and fear in our hearts for another? If we worry, how can we have the faith for them, like the men who lowered the paralytic through the roof to see Jesus (cf. Mk. 2:1-28)? They believed even if the sick man did not. Worry for another is really lack of trust in God’s Omnipotence.

In today’s Gospel, Peter wonders about the disciple whom Jesus loved and asks the risen Master, “What about him?” Interestingly, Jesus does not satisfy Peter’s worry for the young disciple, but instead says that it’s not his concern. We can and should pray for others in their need, but we cannot worry excessively for them or how the Lord will take care of them. Jesus says, “You follow me” (Jn. 21:22). He calls to us: Do not worry about anyone else. You look at Me.

Ours is a communal faith where we lead others to the Lord. Ultimately, though, we can answer only for our own hearts, minds, and wills. Jesus wants us to turn our gaze on him and make sure that in all our activity to build the kingdom we ourselves are not left behind. The goal of our life is and always will be to live with the Lord for all eternity in Heaven. Nothing else really matters. We believe that the Lord takes care of the rest.

[Tweet "Ours is a communal faith where we lead others to the Lord. Ultimately, though, we can answer only for our own hearts, minds, and wills. By @snancy"]

Ponder:

How is the Lord calling me to follow Him today?

Pray:

Jesus, Master, I trust You will take care of all those whom I love. Speak now to my heart and fill me with the desire to be with You for all eternity.

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