Saturday of 7th Wk, Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious

Title

Follow Me

Outline

I was listening to the Life of St Teresa the other day

She was concerned about what others thought about her; she was concerned about giving good spiritual advice to others

She was not concerned about following Jesus, about her life with Jesus, in her case contemplative prayer

Looking back on this period she is quite astounded by her, to use her words, wickedness, and God’s grace

Of course, we do not need to look St Teresa’s confessions about a period of life she got over

All around us people are speaking, gossiping, tweeting, blogging about what everyone else from the janitor to the Pope should do or should not be doing

But by so doing they are taking their focus from what they should do, from their relationship with Jesus

Paul had his head in the right place

He was sitting in a house bound by a chain and guarded by a soldier

But he is not talking about what the soldier or what Caesar should do - he is evangelizing, talking about the kingdom, i.e. doing what he was called to do

He calls the Jewish leaders in Rome together, but he does not tell them what they should do, such as get him released.

Instead, he tells them just enough (with the nasty parts left out) to let them understand why he was a prisoner in Rome, though innocent of crime, and that he was not in any way accusing the Jews in Jerusalem. But that was only the introduction.

His main purpose was to share the gospel with them, that Jesus is the fulfillment of their Jewish hopes. And he would fulfill his calling and follow Jesus even if it blew his chances of getting the Jewish leaders to intercede for him.

Jesus has to set Peter straight on this matter

He has just called Peter to feed his sheep, to follow him. And he has just mentioned that when Peter is old this will mean an uncomfortable martyrdom - although we do not know if Peter “got” the symbols Jesus used.

Peter sees the beloved disciple, the source of the gospel, perhaps enjoying the last of his breakfast, and asks, Lord, what about him?”

Now that certainly relieved the uncomfortable feelings Peter may have had from three questions “Do you love me?” and from the statement about his old age. But it was not following Jesus - it was checking on someone else’s following.

Jesus’ response is simple: “What is that to you?” None of your beeswax. Get your eyes back on me, not on him.

[We only know this exchange because he put it in a way that false rumors about the BD were generated and the BD had to counter them]

So we also have to constantly correct our eyes (at least if you are like me)

I recognize that if I were a pastor I would have the cure of souls and must be concerned about whether they were following Jesus, whether they were getting worse or getting better.

I recognize that I am a spiritual director and that I must give some guidance to the directees that I have.

And I recognize that if someone I know is starting to go to hell I probably should ask God if I am the person to warn them, and then as about when and how

But too often I find myself concerned about whether someone else is following Jesus well

Even if their behavior affects me, I start thinking about them rather than about what I should or should not do.

Ninety plus percent of the time the word for me is “keep silent” and “turn your eyes upon me” and then “follow me” or “follow the guidance of the Spirit”

And that one “what is that to you? Follow me” would have kept me out of a ton of trouble and would do the same for you

Readings

Catholic Daily Readings 5-22-2021: Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

FIRST READING

Acts 28:16–20, 30–31

16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17 Three days later he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them, “My brothers, although I had done nothing against our people or our ancestral customs, I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. 19 But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 20 This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.”

30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

Psalm 11:7b

7 The LORD is just and loves just deeds;

the upright will see his face.

PSALM

Psalm 11:4–5, 7

4 The LORD is in his holy temple;

the LORD’s throne is in heaven.

God’s eyes keep careful watch;

they test the children of Adam.

5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,

hates those who love violence,

7 The LORD is just and loves just deeds;

the upright will see his face.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 16:7, 13

7 But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

GOSPEL

John 21:20–25

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 23 So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? [What concern is it of yours?]”

24 It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Notes

Catholic Daily Readings 5-22-2021: Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

SAINT RITA OF CASCIA, RELIGIOUS

YEARS 1 & 2 | ROMAN MISSAL | LECTIONARY

On the same date: Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter; Pentecost Vigil

From Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter

First Reading Acts 28:16–20, 30–31

Response Psalm 11:7b

Psalm Psalm 11:4–5, 7

Gospel Acclamation John 16:7, 13

Gospel John 21:20–25