Mind Your Business and Follow Me.

Homily for June 3, 2017.

In yesterday’s Gospel passage, we saw how Jesus asked Peter a personal question regardless of the fact that other disciples were around. Three times, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Then Jesus proceeded to tell him how he would suffer for the sake of the Gospel in feeding his sheep.

Now Peter having felt being put on the spot with the questions Jesus asked turned around to do what we all like to do; comparing ourselves to others. Peter asked Jesus about the fate of John who was known as the beloved disciple. And guess what? Jesus told him to mind his own business.

“Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” John 21:21-22.

Many of us today are business judging and analysing others. We get so fixated with other people’s lives that we even forget the very purpose of our existence. Peter’s duty was simple to Follow Jesus. His destiny was different from the destiny of John so even if Jesus had decided that John would live forever, it was not Peter’s business.

In as much as we are to encourage others to be holy and faithful in their Christian lives, we should never forget that holiness is not measured by our comparison with others but in whether we measure up to the personal will of God for our lives.

If a fish forgets his own purpose and attempts to start climbing trees like monkeys or begins to do referee for monkeys trying to judge who jumps faster from one tree to another, that fish would not survive for long.

Paul knew his purpose. And he took advantage of every available opportunity to fulfil this purpose. Even with a soldier guarding him and following him everywhere he went, he still continued to preach the kingdom of God.

What is my purpose in life? Am I really fulfilling my call? Or am I busy pock nosing in the life of everyone else?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, fill me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 7^th week of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 28:16-20.30-31 and John 21:20-25).

Fr. Abu.