Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Jim Risse, SVD – Vigan, Ilocus Norte
Saturday 7th Week of Easter
The readings today remind me of two sayings: “Curiosity kills the cat” and “All’s well that ends well.” The first warns us that curiosity can sometimes be harmful, especially when it intrudes into matters that are not ours to know. The second reminds us that what truly matters is how things conclude — whether they end in faithfulness and hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus had just hinted that Peter would face a death similar to His own. Peter then asked: “Lord, what about him?” — referring to John. Jesus’ sharp reply was: “What concern is that of yours? You follow me” (John 21:21–22). In other words, Peter was told to focus on his own mission, not on comparing himself with others.
How often do we fall into the same trap? When reprimanded, we ask, “What about the others?” Yet Jesus reminds us: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). We are not judged in comparison with others. Each of us is given different talents and tasks, and what is expected is that we use them faithfully for God’s glory.
Today also marks an ending — the close of the Easter season’s weekday readings. The Acts of the Apostles concludes with Paul under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31). Tradition tells us that both Peter and Paul would later be executed there, and Rome would become the center of the Church.
The Gospel of John also ends, reminding us that “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25). Not all our curious questions are answered. Instead, the unwritten Gospel continues through the lives of believers, written with their blood, sweat, and faith, guided by the Spirit.
“All’s well that ends well.” The Easter season closes, but the mission continues. Jesus calls us not to compare, not to pry into others’ paths, but to follow Him faithfully with the gifts entrusted to us. The Gospel is unfinished — and it is up to us to continue writing it with our lives.
“Lord, help me to focus on my mission, to trust in Your Spirit, and to live faithfully so that my life may be part of Your Gospel story.”
