A reading from the gospel according to 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.

Reflection: What concern is it of yours?

Peter and John are the closest apostles of Jesus. They are also close to one another. Now that Jesus has intimately revealed to Peter what is in store for him, it is but human nature for Peter to pry on what future lies for his friend John. Jesus’ answer looks like a rebuke. The “what if” became the talk of the town even today but our reflection will dwell on the next sentence.

What concern is it of yours? Of course to be concerned about others is an extension of our love for them. Yet many times our concern borders on shallow interest and often extended to gossip. Worse, what seems to be a concern is actually jealousy or even arrogance. Why is my friend more blessed than I am? Sometimes we feel better because we are closer to the boss than others and so we become bossy ourselves.

In our gospel above, Jesus tells Peter to just follow Him and in following Him, he needs to focus on the particular mission given to him. The enemy knows well to distract us by making us become too concerned for others.

Each one of us has a mission that no one else will do and there is enough work to do in the vineyard of the Lord. Jealousy and arrogance will only delay and even set back the completion of our work. Peter is to become the leader while John will be an evangelist. Some of us will be preachers while others will become contemplatives. Still others will do the dirty work of cleaning the kitchen and more. Indeed, if each one of us will mind his or her own business and cooperate rather than compete, there will be less infighting and peace will be achieved.

*****

In the closing verses of the Gospel of John, we find a deeply personal and moving scene between Jesus and Peter. After a powerful post-resurrection breakfast on the beach, Jesus restores Peter with three affirmations of love, countering the three denials Peter had made during Jesus’ trial. But the story doesn’t end there. As Peter walks with Jesus, he notices the disciple “whom Jesus loved” following behind, most likely John, the author of the Gospel. Peter turns and asks, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus replies, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

This exchange speaks volumes about comparison, calling, and the deeply personal nature of discipleship. It’s a gentle but firm reminder that our journey with Christ is not meant to be lived by looking sideways. It’s about focusing forward on Jesus, and the path He has marked for each of us individually.

Peter’s question, “What about him?” is a question we’ve all asked in one form or another. What about her life, his success, their ministry? Why does their path seem smoother, their story more glamorous, their gift more recognized? In our age of constant connectivity and curated glimpses into others’ lives, comparison can quietly poison our peace and distract us from our purpose.

Jesus doesn’t shame Peter for his curiosity, but He redirects it. “What is that to you?” In essence, Jesus says, “His story is not your story. His mission is not your mission. His road is not your road.”

“You must follow me.” With these four words, Jesus re-centers Peter’s attention and ours. Following Jesus is not about monitoring the progress of others; it’s about obedience to our own call. Each of us has a story to live that is uniquely authored by God. When we compare, we run the risk of missing our own assignment while envying someone else’s blessing.

This is not to say that community, mentorship, or shared journeys are unimportant. We are the body of Christ with many members but one Spirit. But even in that collective calling, each role is distinct. Some are called to lead visibly; others to serve quietly. Some will go to the ends of the earth, while others are called to remain rooted in their hometowns. All are essential. All are sacred.

*****

John ends his Gospel with a touch of humility and awe: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

This closing reminds us that we only ever see a fraction of what God is doing in the world and even in the lives of those closest to us. We cannot judge the significance of our story by comparison. God is weaving an eternal masterpiece, and your obedience, however unseen, plays an irreplaceable part in that tapestry.

So if you find yourself discouraged by what others are doing or achieving, pause. Hear Jesus’ words afresh: “What is that to you? You must follow me.”

Focus on the assignment God has given you. Love your neighbor faithfully. Serve your family generously. Worship authentically. Lead quietly or boldly, as the Spirit directs. Trust that your obedience, even in obscurity, is known and cherished by the One who called you.

You don’t need to write the whole book of God’s wonders. You are a living sentence in it. Follow Him, and let your life be a page that points to His glory.

*****

In this gospel passage, we find an intriguing interaction between Peter and Jesus, set against the backdrop of Peter’s restoration. As they walk along the shore, Peter turns and sees John following them. Curious and perhaps a bit concerned about John’s fate, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus’ response is profound and pointed: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” This moment encapsulates a vital lesson for each of us. Often, we find ourselves looking around, comparing our journey to that of others, wondering about the fairness or balance in the distribution of blessings and challenges. Yet, Jesus’ reply to Peter redirects our focus from comparison to mission, from others to self-reflection.

Jesus emphasizes the personal nature of our spiritual journey. His words remind us that our primary concern should not be the paths others take, but rather how faithfully we are walking our own. Each of us has a unique path, marked by personalized callings and spiritual tasks that cannot be understood or judged in comparison with others.

Furthermore, the Gospel passage closes with John affirming the truth of his testimony and hinting at the vastness of Jesus’ works, so abundant that “the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” This hyperbolic statement not only underscores the profound impact of Jesus’ ministry but also encourages us to marvel at the boundless possibilities God has in store for us. It serves as a reminder that what we see and know is just a fraction of what is and what can be.

Let this passage inspire us to focus on your own spiritual journey, trust in the vast unseen works of God, and embrace the unique path He has laid out for us. In doing so, we honor His plan and purpose for our lives, leading to a fuller, more meaningful spiritual experience.