One Minute Reflection – 30 May –  ‘Jesus loves the one who follows Him.’

One Minute Reflection – 30 May – “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, Psalm 11:4-5, 7, John 21:20-25 and the Memorial of St Ferdinand III King (1199-1252)

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper”  … John 21:20

REFLECTION – “The love of Jesus for His faithful disciple is shown by the words:  “Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper” (Jn 21:20).

Someone who truly follows the Lord wants everyone to follow Him, which is why He turns to his neighbour with kind attentions, prayers and proclamation of the Gospel. Peter’s turning around, signifies all those things.   In the book of Revelation we find the same idea:  “The bridegroom and the bride – Christ and the Church – say:  ‘Come!’   Let him who hears say: ‘Come!'” (Rv 22:17).   Christ, through interior inspiration and the Church, by preaching, say:  “Come!”   And whoever hears these words says to his neighbour: “Come!” which is to say:  “Follow Jesus!”   Then Peter, turning round, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following after.   Jesus loves the one who follows Him.

Although his name is not mentioned, John stands out from the others, not because Jesus only loved him but because He loved him more than the others.   He loved all the others but this man was closer to Him. …  It was he who “reclined upon His chest during the supper” (Jn 21:20).   This was a great sign of love, the fact that he alone could have leaned on the chest of Jesus, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). …

And so, during the Supper in heaven, we shall be satisfied for eternity, we shall take our rest together with John on the chest of Jesus.   The heart is in the chest;  love is in the heart.   We shall rest in His love because, we shall love Him with all our heart and all our soul and shall discover in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. … So to Him be the praise and the glory for endless ages. Amen. … St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, Your ways are not our ways, teach us to willingly agree to them, for You know which way we should go.   Help us to say “yes” always to Your plan and to render ourselves, as a sacrament of Your divine love to all we meet.   Fill us with the grace to be your tools, to bring glory to Your kingdom.   Our Father, who art in heaven, may Your Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.   Mary Mother of God, pray for us!   St Ferdinand, you who with the earthly power which rested on you, showed forth only the Love, Power and Will of God, Pray for Us!   Through our Our Lord Jesus Christ with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.