ACTS 28:16-20, 30-31

When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 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. After trying my case the Romans wanted to release me, because they found nothing against me deserving the death penalty. But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation. 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." He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

JOHN 21:20-25

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?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me." 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?" It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 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.

We approach the end of Easter and we anticipate a new beginning with the coming of Pentecost. The readings today come from the ending passages of the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles. Both readings seem to tell us to look to the future and to persevere in the faith.

Jesus makes no promises for our discipleship to him, except that he will be by our side as we work in our Mission to spread the Good News. Because of this realization, we have to remember not lose heart, not to be discouraged when we are faced with challenges.

How do we interact with Jesus in our journey with him? Perhaps because Jesus is willing to be our companion, we should also be his loyal friends. Let us listen to him and learn to talk to him openly and without pretensions. Let us follow his example and not hesitate to ask for his divine comfort and strength when times get tough. Let us love him and allow him to love us back.

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Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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