May 23, 2026 // Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 21:20-25

Reflect on the Word // 

My husband and I were seated at a restaurant, planning celebrations for each month of the year in honor of our fifty years together as husband and wife. Suddenly, qualms about what others might think of our plans intruded into my thoughts. When I voiced these qualms to my husband, he redirected me back to our life together and God’s faithfulness to us, reminding me that it’s ultimately Him we are celebrating.

In today’s Gospel, Peter and the other disciples have been with the Risen Christ all day. They’ve eaten breakfast with Him on the seashore and Peter has thrice clearly professed his love for Jesus, after which Jesus commands Peter to follow Him. Something about seeing John leads Peter to ask, “What about him?” (John 21:21) But Jesus patiently redirects Peter: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me” (John 21:22) .

Part of me cringes at Jesus’ response to Peter. Then a question arises. Do I sometimes cloak my own inordinate concerns about others’ lives under the guise of compassion while forgetting the one thing Jesus asks of me in the moment? When I look again, I see Jesus’ patience and kindness toward both Peter and John. He knows well their temperaments and gifts  and asks of each only what they can give. Following, for John, is not the same as it is for Peter; each disciple’s relationship with God is distinctive. Each has their role to play in God’s plan for them and for the world.

It’s the same for you and me, dear sister. We each have an essential and unique role in God’s plan. We needn’t be scared of what He may require. He takes into account our temperaments, our experiences and our gifts and provides everything we need. He only asks us to follow wherever He leads. 

Relate to the Lord // Where has comparison been sneaking in and stealing your peace? Tell Jesus about it and rest in His unique and perfect love for you.