29th May . Gospel Reflections / Homilies on John 21:15-19 for Friday, Seventh Week of Easter.
The proverbial words of Jesus in today’s gospel is one I have struggled to understand. After Jesus had thrice questioned Peter’s love. He says “I tell you most solemnly, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old
you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go”
But as I listened to the gospel again today two possible meanings crawled through my mind.
First I thought: Could Christ be telling Peter. Before now as a Kid in the faith, you would choose to do what you like, such as running away from whatever threatens your faith peace or life even to the extent of denying me, but now matured in faith and love and of course through the grace of the Spirit you will be led to make sacrifices you would rather not make, even to the extent of loosing your life for the faith. OR
I thought: Could it be about dependence and independence.. Was Christ saying while in the world I did things my self and my way. Fed my sheep the truth. But now that am I am leaving the world and only present in the Church. I would be led to places I would rather not want to.
The Church remains Christ’s presence in the world.
Church Leaders and indeed all Christians like every other human would want to be free to do and go to what and where they like but as those matured in faith and love we are rather called to stretch our hands to the Holy Spirit in co operation and collaboration, so he may lead us to do things or go to places we would rather not want.
Again, Christ now only relies on the instrumentality of the Church to continue his work of feeding the flock of truth and leading them through the way of salvation to life eternal. When in the name of Christ the Leaders of the Church and indeed all Christians teach for selfish gains what is false and lead people astray, we drag Jesus (present in his Church) the path he would rather not go.
After the proverb Jesus said to Peter “Follow me” The Church is Called to follow the lead of Christ who remains present in the Church through the Holy Spirit and also to follow his exemplary life and teaching while on earth in ministering to the flock of God.
Fr Churchill Emeghara MSSCC
Parochial Vicar,
St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Kumba Mbeng, Diocese of Kumba, Cameroon