Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
The Gospel passage for Friday of Easter Week did not include the additional discussion between the Risen Lord Jesus and the conscience-stricken Saint Peter, nor today's prophecy about his death. We can suppose they were a sobering reminder to the young leader of his calling, the life he had been given, and must choose.
The Gospel does not say how private this conversation might have been. Did the Lord take a walk along the shore with Peter, apart from the others, before he asked, "Do you love me?" Or were the other disciples listening, and fully aware of Peter's dilemma. His repeated question bore down upon Peter and forced him to plead, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you!"
But even yet, Jesus has not finished with the disciple. He must understand the full dimension of the Lord's discipline. Although he is the head of the Apostles -- Catholics call him the first Pope -- he will always be under obedience to the Lord. And like the Lord, he will suffer the humiliation, horror, and sacrifice of martyrdom.
Just as the Lord had obeyed when he was led away to be crucified, Peter will obey when his enemies condemn him to death. "Someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
John 21 also includes Peter's question about the beloved disciple: What about him?" Traditional lore says that the one we call John did not die a martyr's death. Perhaps he was still alive when the Gospel was completed and published. The Church might have wondered if the ancient and only surviving eyewitness of the Resurrection would remain until the Lord's glorious return.
But we can interpret the question and the reply spiritually as the Lord's rebuke (to one who has become familiar with rebukes): "You don't need to know! You will lead the disciples but I am still in charge!"
He might have gone on: "You know your weakness. You have encountered your cowardliness. Don't suppose that either will ever go away. You must always be obedient to me, and I will always govern my Church."
An aging boomer generation of the 21st century must also learn that hard lesson.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.