7th WEEK OF EASTER 23

22 – 27 MAY 2023: HOLY MASS REFLECTIONS   22 MAY 2023: ACTS 19. 1-8; JOHN 16. 19-23 Pivot: Did you receive the Holy Spirit? Indicative: We all have received baptism and thus faith. But it is still inadequate and imperfect. We need to grow! 1.      Many times we think that our faith is strong and perfect. When everything goes well, we may go okay. But our faith will be really tested when we come across some difficulties. This is what happened in the case of the apostles. 2.      This is what Jesus implies when he tells them, “Do you believe now? Behold the hour is coming when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone”. The apostles presumed that they had strong faith. 3.      But its shallowness was exposed when Jesus was under trial and then the destiny of the cross. Fear gripped them. Consequently, their loyalty was not steady and firm. What to do in such times of test and trial? 4.      How to sustain and deepen our faith in the Lord even amidst trying times? Look to Jesus. Look at his own example. Even when he was deserted by all and persecuted by the world, he endured. His perseverance was because of his unswerving faith in the Father, surrender to Him and inseparable union with Him. That is why Jesus says, “I am not alone because the Father is with me”. 5.      We too will face adversities as Jesus warns, “In the world, you will have trouble”. But he also gives us the remedy: just as he confided in the Father, we too must confide in the Lord. “Take courage, for I have conquered the world”. 6.      For this wholehearted trust and courage, we need the Holy Spirit. The risen Lord filled the apostles with the light and power of the Holy Spirit. That is why after the resurrection experience, the apostles were no more the same as before. They were illuminated and emboldened. They were fearless witnesses. Imperative: In this world and especially in our present times, our faith is put to the test. We need the light and power of the Holy Spirit to remain loyal and firm. We need to grow from our mere baptism by water to baptism by Spirit   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 30 May) Indicative: The life of faith must be constant and consistent, productive and progressive. There is no halt or pause. It must be a forward journey. One who stops growing, has already slid down   1.      Lethargy is a quite common experience in the life of many. Initially many will be so enthusiastic. But as time passes, these become lethargic and lukewarm. They begin to lack that fire that was setting them aflame. They begin to be satisfied with the minimum. They miss that drive for the maximum and the best. 2.      This is what happened in the case of the believers in Ephesus. They received the baptism of John the Baptist. It was a baptism of repentance. True it was that they repented and turned away from the pagan ways. But this is not enough. It is not enough that they turn away from the false gods but they should deeply turn to the true God. They should be rooted in Him, grow in Him and become fruitful. 3.      They should know and experience the Lord. They should become zealous, loyal and committed to the Lord for whom they were baptized. They should be baptized by the Holy Spirit. They should learn to walk steadily and firmly from their stumbling walk. They should constantly make a transition from an imperfect faith to a perfect faith. 4.      They should be totally renewed. In the light of the gospel, they should be able to see and understand clearly what the Lord teaches. They should be aware that the world will stand against them and persecute them. Accordingly, they should be prepared to stand firm and not to be scattered. They must be convinced that their master has conquered the world and so no tribulation can really take away their peace.   Imperative: The beauty and joy of discipleship are diminishing because clarity and conviction, confidence and courage, loyalty and commitment are declining. The more we become enthusiastic, the more we shall become conquerors!   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 17 May)   Focus: Trials and tribulations are bound to come. They may come all the more when we are loyal to God’s ways and good ways. But there is no need for panic for those who confide in God   1.      The life of faith is a continuous and progressive journey. Certainly, baptism washes away the sins and inserts the believer into a new life, a new relationship with the Lord and also a new family of redeemed people. 2.      But, one cannot be satisfied with that incorporation. The journey must continue. From the initiation, one must grow stronger and deeper. From turning away from sin, one must turn definitively to God. One must uproot the deep roots of sin and transplant and cultivate the flowers and fruits of grace. 3.      From a baptism of repentance, one must rise to the baptism of the Spirit. From a stumbling walk of imperfect and immature faith, one must walk steadily and firmly on the way to perfect and mature faith. 4.      This is what we see in the case of the believers in Ephesus. They stopped with the baptism of John. They had not gone and grown beyond. They remained still in the phase of repentance. They were good. But that is not enough. 5.      Much more is needed. There must be more fire, more vigour. They did not become vigorous in a new life of conversion and renewal. This is exactly the life of the Spirit. This is possible only when one is open to the Spirit and is empowered by the same. 6.      This is what the apostles constantly strive to do in the Acts of the Apostles and Jesus in the gospel: to fill the believers/disciples with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Thereby, they would be confirmed and deepened in their faith and bear witness to the Lord. 7.      In the absence of the Spirit, what will happen is a "scattering" and "leaving the Lord alone" out of fear. But, if one confides in the Lord and is docile to the Spirit, he will have peace and will remain untroubled even though the world will trouble because the Lord has "already conquered the world" and his grace and mission are "unconquerable" by the evil.   Direction: Often many mistake intellectual understanding and assent alone as faith. But the real believing is living with the Lord and living for him at all times   23 MAY 2023: ACTS 20. 17-27; JOHN 17. 1-11a Pivot: Serve with humility! Indicative: Our life is meant to glorify God. This is possible only through repentance, faith and living a witnessing life 1.      Jesus’ farewell discourse is coming to a close and his trial time of the cross is fast approaching. So, Jesus once again affirms his deepest communion with the Father and his concern for his disciples. 2.      In one act, Jesus re-surrenders himself to the Father, and also surrenders and entrusts his disciples to the care of the Father. There is a deep sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, both in Jesus and Paul in the first reading. 3.      It may appear to be a presumption. But in fact, it is the strength of conviction. This comes from a life that is authentic, committed and witnessing. That is why they could confidently and convincingly affirm their loyalty. 4.      Paul would attest before the presbyters in Ephesus, “You know how I lived among you from the day first”. It was a life of unflinching zeal, and undaunted loyalty, “never shrinking from bearing witness, despite opposition and persecution. Jesus could confidently affirm, “I glorified you on earth accomplishing the work that you gave me to do”. Therefore he could ask the Father, “Now glorify me”. 5.      Now the same address is given to all of us, his disciples: Glorify God through accomplishing His work entrusted to us. Belong to the Lord always, clinging to him in intimacy and holding fast to his word, come what may. Imperative: Today how many can say to the people like Paul, “You know how I live among you”? or like Jesus, “Father, glorify me because I glorify you”?   24 MAY 2023: ACTS 20. 28-38; JOHN 17. 11b-19   Pivot: Keep watch! Indicative: God is one. We who belong to the one God must also be one in unity and fraternity   1.      In both readings, we have the farewell scenes, of Paul and Jesus respectively. And both are moving and touching. But they are not merely emotional and sentimental. They are deeply spiritual and missionary. 2.      Both Jesus and Paul refer to their integrity of life and the depth of their relationship with their disciples. Paul lived a life of giving like Jesus, his master, in contrast to the worldly spirit of greed. He worked hard with self-dignity, never taking advantage of others’ goodness. 3.      Jesus always loved the Father and did His will. He always loved his disciples, cared for them, and now would even die for them. So, now they would follow his example and continue the mission entrusted to them. 4.      Both Jesus and Paul would warn and admonish their disciples about the challenge of their mission. First, they should never lose sight of their identity and mission. They are the overseers, the stewards of their flock. Their fundamental duty is to “tend” the flock. 5.      They should never forget that their vocation and authority come from God. The flock is acquired by the Lord’s own blood. And they are appointed as stewards by the Holy Spirit himself. 6.      They would always be alert and watchful. They must keep watch over themselves and over their flock because of the savage wolves that are fierce and prevailing. These are both from outside and from within as well. These would pervert the truth and draw away the disciples.   Imperative: The disciples must be vigilant. They ought to commend themselves to the gracious word of God. Do not belong to the world. Be consecrated in truth   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 01 June)   Indicative: Unity is the hallmark of the followers of Christ. It is the testing tag for the community of believers   1.      Jesus prays for his disciples as he is preparing to depart from them. He prays that they are one and united. He feels concerned to guard them, keeping them from the evil one because the world would hate them just as it hated him. 2.      The same are the sentiments at Ephesus in the farewell scene of Paul. He warns them of “fierce wolves”, even among their own selves. They will twist things to draw away the disciples after them. 3.      Now how to remain guarded and united? It is just by following the very same example of the master. It is to keep ourselves always in the Father’s name. This implicitly cautions us not to keep ourselves under any other name tag or seek any other name and glory. It is only the name of God and nothing else. 4.      Another requisite to remain one and united is never to be of the world but of God. We are placed in the world to transform it from within and should never be overfed by its false nourishments. We should never be identified with the marks and tattoos of the world. 5.      Further, we should be sanctified in the truth. God’s word is the truth. And this implies that we must grow in sanctity in line with the word. The word becomes the means of holiness and also the measuring rod for it. 6.      Finally, we grow as one by being consecrated in the truth, just as Jesus himself was consecrated in the truth. This means that we must commit ourselves to following the truth. In a false world, we must distinguish ourselves as truthful.   Imperative: Failure in unity is a failure in truth. Failure in truth is a failure in word. Failure in the word is a failure in love for God. Therefore, love Him and be loyal to Him.   (Reflection 3 from 19 May)   Focus: God is anguished over us, and it is not a sign of His fragility or emotional vulnerability, but rather a proof of His concern and anxiety for our safety and peace   1.      In both the readings, we have the farewell scenes so intensified. In the Acts of the Apostles, it is Paul to the elders in Ephesus, and in the gospel, it is Jesus to his disciples. There is so much sentiment and feeling. There is tear and anguish. 2.      The whole concern is not so much the pain at the physical separation. It is not merely something emotional or relational. It is a higher concern. It is the protection and safety of their followers after their departure. 3.      The reason for this anxiety is the danger that they are exposed to. It is the danger of "ravaged wolves" who will pervert the truth. These will draw the followers away from the truth and will try to destroy the whole edifice of faith that had been so painstakingly built up. 4.      In this context, their primary duty is twofold: one is, to guard their own selves from all these onslaughts. The other is, to guard those entrusted to their care. For this, what we need to do is: to be deeply communed with God and to be deeply consecrated to truth. 5.      It is only a deep communion with God and with each other that can keep us firm and unshaken. It is our oneness that would guard us from being carried away by the world. Further, it is our sanctification by truth and consecration to the truth that will keep us authentic in our life and effective in our mission. We will not be easily diverted and distorted by all the evil forces of falsity and infidelity. 6.      At this point, it is very clear what is missing in today’s church, and why it is so much troubled by the evil one. It is true that the fierce wolves that tear off truth and snatch away the sheep are increasing. 7.      But this does not justify one’s falling and failing in faith and charity. The fault lies with us. When we carelessly allow ourselves to be devoured by the lure of evil, when we are not one and united with God in intimacy, when we are not loyal and committed to his values, when we willingly divide ourselves by needless factors of division and discrimination, when we do not constantly sanctify and consecrate ourselves in truth, then how can we expect to be his fitting witnesses?   Direction: In the accomplishment of God's mission of the spread of God's reign, human intelligence and capacities do not suffice. We need God's wisdom and Spirit's power to be cautious and judicious.   25 MAY 2023: ACTS 22. 30, 23. 6-11; JOHN 17. 20-26   Pivot: Take courage! Indicative: Unity is the greatest testimony. It is the sign and proof that we belong to one God and one another and that we love one another   1.      Unity is the most dominant theme in Jesus’ farewell discourse and prayer. In fact, it is not a sudden theme. It has always been there. Jesus unequivocally has been speaking about his oneness with the Father and his disciples. Now the farewell discourse is the climax and culmination. 2.      His disciples should be united with him, the Father and the Spirit, just as he is united with the Father and the Spirit. There is a perfect unity between the Father, the Son and the Spirit. They are one in their divine identity, love and mission. There is no division or dissension or discrimination or unhealthy competition. 3.      Similarly, his disciples should live in unity and harmony, sealed in the bond of fraternity and charity. Only unity is the authentic sign that we belong to God and we carry on His mission. Any disunity and dissension is a counter-sign. The world will know God and come to Him, not so much by great talent and eloquence, but by a life of unity. 4.      This unity will be possible when we cultivate and foster Christ-like love. Love is genuine when we keep God’s word and do His will. Therefore, ultimately our duty is to bear witness to the Lord through union, love and fidelity.   Imperative: In a world that is torn apart by division and discrimination, as the children of one Father, as disciples of one Master and guided by one Spirit, we should bear witness to unity and love   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 02 June)   Indicative: Effectivity decreases when credibility declines; credibility declines when authenticity and integrity diminishes   1.      The focal point of Jesus’ farewell prayer is unity. He desires that his disciples must be one just as the Father and he are one. This oneness is not just for peaceful coexistence or a smooth mission running. 2.      The purpose is much more fundamental. Unity is witness. Unity is not just for doing something. Rather, it is a matter of our very vocation and identity. In other words, only by our unity and oneness, we shall identify ourselves as God’s children and Christ’s disciples. 3.      Jesus makes it very clear how this unity must be. It is not just remaining and working together for convenience or gain or by force or obligation. Often, the unity that many disciples exercise and demonstrate is a “make-shift”, a “working” unity. It is not deep-rooted. It is not based on genuine respect, appreciation, concern and benevolence. They may be working together but with a lot of negativity and prejudice and harming incline. 4.      That is why Jesus proposes his own union with the Father as the model of all unity. He says, “That all may be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I, in you, that they also may be in us”. Thus there is no real unity without a deep union. True unity is possible only when there is intimate communion of hearts and spirits. 5.      This unity is threefold: unity in faith, unity in love and unity in glory. The disciples can be united only when they are united with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They can be united only when they love God and others. They can be united only when they seek together God’s glory. 6.      That is why Jesus says, “So that the world may believe that you have sent me”; “the glory you have given me, I have given to them”; “that the love with which you have loved me may be in them”.   Imperative: If we are truly close to God and are loyal to Him, we cannot be hateful and indifferent towards others. Spiritual union is the foundation for the fraternal union. And fraternal union is the testimony of spiritual union   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 20 May)   Focus: Ask me where a disciple finds the real meaning and worth of life and mission. It is in bearing witness to the Lord. And no one can find any sense and fulfilment apart from this   1.      Witness is the catchword for any follower of Christ. The authenticity of a disciple is determined by the extent of his being a witness to the Lord.  But witness to what? What are the essential ingredients of this task of witness? 2.      The very first component is an unshakable faith in Jesus as the Lord and Saviour. This is manifested in the proclamation by word and in action by life in imitation and resemblance to the Lord himself. 3.      This implies a profound and inalienable oneness with the Father, Son and the Spirit. This is the oneness in identity, love and mission. This one identity is the divinity, the divine image, the divine dignity and sanctity. 4.      The oneness in love is to love God as the Godhead loves each other and as they love us. It is the one love that abides in every heart, one love that knits together, and one love that outflows from one to the other. 5.      Further, it is the oneness of the mission. There is no rivalry or unhealthy and harmful competition. There is perfect cooperation and collaboration. And this is the greatest witness. Communion with God and with one another is the greatest identity mark and witness sign. 6.      Lack of intimacy with God and disunity with one another is counter-witness and counter-productive. There can be nothing that can substitute for oneness in identity, love and mission. There can be nothing more effective than a life of witness.   Direction: In the wake of an increasing lament and blame that the quality of witness is deteriorating, the urgent need is to wake up the dormant spirits and the indifferent energies     26 MAY 2023: ACTS 25. 13-21;  JOHN 21. 15-19   Pivot: Higher concerns, lofty ideals! Indicative: The call of the Lord is constant and consistent. Always he calls us to love him and follow him 1.      “Do you love me?” is the question Jesus asks Peter thrice. The repetition indicates its importance that it is what perfects and completes the Christian life. For a disciple of Christ, love is the most important thing. It is his identity mark and the norm of his life. 2.      Without love, there is no vocation and no mission. The whole acts of creation, redemption and sanctification are nothing but manifestations of love. Therefore, all the disciples of Christ are called to perpetuate the same heritage and legacy. 3.      In Peter's answer, “Lord, you know that I love you”, we can also sense a sense of intimacy and confidence. He does not say, “Yes, I love you”. It is not enough that I think that I love the Lord. It is also important that I make the Lord know that I love him and I am also aware that he knows that I love him. 4.      In the same answer, “Lord, you know that I love you”, there is also humility. Peter does not want to go by a presumptuous affirmation but seeks the approval of Jesus. Our love for the Lord must truly touch him and make him feel that I love him. 5.      Jesus does not leave this love only at the emotive level. He takes it beyond. This love places upon Peter a demanding mission. It is to feed and tend the sheep. Some may distinguish between sheep and lambs. Sheep may refer to those who are prone to stray, and lambs may refer to the simple and weaklings. 6.      However, we need not do such technical distinctions. For us, what is important is Jesus’ missionary mandate. It is to love him and follow him and show this in serving the sheep by protecting, feeding and guiding them. 7.      What is notable is, Jesus does not hide the challenge of following him. He makes Peter aware of the full consequences of such a following. It will bring trials and eventual death.   Imperative: A disciple of Christ must never evade the difficulties that come on his way. Rather putting in more love, he shall continue to love him, follow him and serve others. He shall also guide them   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 03 June)   Indicative: Love is the most needed ingredient in life but sadly it is the most lacking as well. And where there is love also, often it is a misapprehended, twisted and abused love   1.      In the gospel, Jesus is posing a question to Peter. This is not just one question among many. This is not any question. But this is the most fundamental question. If love is fundamental and foundational for everything, then this question is “the” question. It is “Do you love me?” 2.      This question is repeated thrice. This indicates its singular importance. Number 3 biblically denotes perfection and completeness. Repeating it thrice indicates that it is something that cannot be bypassed; it is not a one-time business. But But it must be recurrent. It is not a matter of redundancy but of significance and abundance. 3.      It is also commonly thought that Jesus asks Peter thrice the same question in order to balance and compensate for his denial thrice. What we must see here is not a mathematical equation of 3 denials and 3 affirmations. 4.      Rather it is a just preparation of Peter for the great mission of leadership. We may fall and fail, we too may deny and reject at times. But we must always strive to recuperate what has been missing and to regain what has been lost. 5.      The answer of Peter reveals humility and honesty. Each time he answers, “Lord, you know that I love you. The third time he adds a little more, “Lord, you know everything”. Peter is genuine and humble. And he is confident as well. That is why he could attest, “Lord, you know that I love you”. He does not make a big lecture. He does not give instances and proofs. He sums up just in one clause, “Lord, you know”. 6.      Further, this love is not only a matter of sentiment. It is a call for commitment to a mission. It is an altruistic mission in animation and service. It is to “tend the lambs”, and “feed the flock” like real animators and leaders. 7.      The third command, “Follow me” can imply two aspects, one is, personal and relational, and the other is, missionary and pastoral. Personally, our love for the Lord calls us to follow him, to imitate him as a faithful person in life. 8.      To follow him personally is to be profoundly related to and clung to him. In the missionary sense, to follow him is to imitate him in the same mission of caring, serving and leading others.   Imperative: Today the same question of Jesus, “Do you love me?” is addressed to each one of us. How many can respond humbly and honestly like Peter, “Lord, you know that I love you”?   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 21 May)   Focus: Love should be the foundation and driving force of all our life and mission, and only then, there will be fidelity and commitment    1.      What irresistible courage, indefatigable assiduity and immeasurable passion with which Jesus and his followers live their life and mission! We cannot but wonder at this. The secret behind such inexhaustible strength and irreversible perseverance is a deep-rooted love for the Lord. 2.      Jesus has this unfathomable and inalienable love for the Father. The disciples too are to have the same love for the Master. Peter on behalf of every disciple of Christ, is asked by Jesus, "Do you love me?" The question is precise and incisive. 3.      The affirmative answer of Peter too is prompt and spontaneous. We do not here engage ourselves with the reason why Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. Is it to balance and compensate for the three-time denial of Peter at the trial of Jesus? Does the number 3 indicate a sense of completion that love has to be complete and perfect? Or does this repetition point to the utmost importance of the law of love?  These questions are not so crucial. 4.      What is important is to note that Love is the greatest condition and energy for any follower. There is no compromise or concessions regarding this. Either one loves or not. However, this love is not merely emotional or sentimental. It is profoundly actual and concrete. 5.      It is a love which affects the whole life and mission. It is a love that entails one with an inescapable duty to the other. It is a love that binds one to take care of others, and to be concerned for other’s good and growth. 6.      It is a call of love that calls for a mission of love. It is a vocation that shows itself in a mission that is other-oriented. That is why, all three times Jesus entrusts Peter with a mission, "Feed my sheep", "Tend my flock ", and "Follow me".   Direction: We belong to each other. We are given to the care of each other. And so we have a responsibility for each other. Therefore, to tend those given to our care – is the fundamental responsibility. But many fail in their responsibility of tending others or following the Lord. The reason is not human inadequacies. It is only because of the lack of love for the Lord, who deserves all our love   27 MAY 2023: ACTS 28. 16-20, 30-31; JOHN 21. 20-25   Pivot: I wear these chains for his sake! Indicative: Faith is the greatest gift of God to us. It also becomes our gift to him when there is testimony. Our only mission is to witness   1.      “What concern is it of yours? You follow me”. This is the rebuke of Jesus to Peter. The context is Peter’s query about the fate of his companion, John. Here let our attention not be on Jesus’ reproach. Rather Jesus directs our attention to the priorities in life. 2.      Nothing should come in the way of our priorities in life. And the topmost priority is following Jesus. Unnecessary interest in other matters, interfering inquisitiveness, eagerness to gather news and information about others – all these are not pleasing in God’s sight. And these can be very distracting and disrupt our focus as well. 3.      If we follow Jesus, then surely it will manifest itself in testimony. There is no following without testimony and no testimony without following. One authenticates the other and authenticates itself in the other. 4.      This is what Paul does in the Acts of the Apostles. Though under house arrest, he continued to proclaim the gospel to all those who came to him. As the text says, “With complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ”. 5.      This is what John too professes to do in the gospel: “It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true”. Perhaps, this is one great tragedy in our times: the need and the value of witness is declining. At times, there is no prick of conscience even about the gravity of counter-witness.   Imperative: It is the high time that we restrain all our unnecessary concerns and concentrate on the essentials. If possible and needed, let us show genuine concern for others. Otherwise, let us focus on our own following of the Lord   (Reflection 2 from 2022, 04 June)   Indicative: Where there is passion, there is conviction. This endows one with a boldness that no affliction and persecution can hinder   1.      In life, there is curiosity, eagerness and inquisitiveness. It is part of human nature. We want to know many things that we do not know. All the more, many are curious to know about others. It is understandable and is not always blameworthy. But the problem is when it serves no purpose. 2.      In the case of a good many, this excess inquisitiveness comes in the way of clarity of priorities. Instead of seeking priorities, they try to interfere in others’ affairs. This is the same unnecessary interest that prompted Peter to ask Jesus about the fate and destiny of the other beloved disciple. We need not make too much about Jesus rebuking Peter or about sympathizing with him. 3.      The point here is not whether it is right or wrong. The main issue is: to focus on one’s mission. Just in the previous passage and episode, Peter was entrusted with a great mission. So, his whole concern must be about it, about how to be faithful to his mission. 4.      Why should he distract and bother himself with other secondary things? What matters most is what happens to the mission and not so much about what happens to the others. 5.      What is most important in anyone’s and everyone’s life is to bear witness to the Lord. It is sad that many disciples get distracted, deviated and lost in many other trivial things and neglect the essentials. 6.      How exemplary is the spirit of Paul? He was always and everywhere totally focused on his mission. Nothing could distract or divert him or reduce his fervour. No threats from the authorities could suppress his passion. No afflictions could play down his commitment. He was on his mission “with boldness and without hindrance.   Imperative: Jesus reprimanded Peter for his over-inquisitiveness, “What is that to you? You follow me”. Today the Lord’s rebuke reaches all who are engaged in useless slander or politicking or worthless self-interests. “What is that to you? As for you, follow me”.   (Reflection 3 from 2021, 22 May)   Focus: Clarity of purpose can give one a sense of direction and a wholehearted dedication to his mission   1.      When there is clarity and focus regarding the purpose and mission of life, then there is no deviation or obstruction. Nothing can mar or hinder one's mission. Paul was totally clear and focused. 2.      So whether free or imprisoned, moving or bound, streets or home- confined, his spirit was the same. This is the singularity and the priority of life: The Lord, faith in him and testimony to him. 3.      Perhaps, this is what is figuratively implied by the concluding texts in both readings. In the first reading, we have the conclusion of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, and in the gospel, we have the conclusion of John’s gospel. 4.      In both, it is also the conclusion of the life of Paul and Jesus. The writings may be concluded, the earthly ministry may stop. But grace, God’s reign and God’s work continues. The focus and mission must never get sidelined. 5.      This is what is implied in Jesus' rebuke to Peter. In all  reasonable human curiosity about the fate of the other disciple, Peter might have asked “Lord, what about this man?” But the answer of Jesus is rather sharp: "What does it concern or matter for you, if he were to be alive?" 6.      The point is not about the death or the continuity of the other disciple. The sole concern is the Lord's concern, that is, following the Lord and accomplishing his mission. This should be a deeply "personal concern" of everyone and not unnecessary eagerness and inquisitiveness about many other concerns.   Direction: “How does this concern matter to me?” "Why should these matters concern me?" Often, such questions can be indicators of indifference and unconcern. But, they can be a question of self-check on the many matters that concern us. They can reveal to us that the many matters that occupy our concern are not really worth the concern