12/27/11
Today we
honor St. John the beloved disciple. Our Gospel story is one of several that
pair and contrast Peter an John. In today’s reading they both run, but John
runs faster. However, on reaching the tomb John waits to let Peter enter before
him.
We might
take this story along with the story of the Last Supper. When John was laying
against the breast of Jesus Peter told him to find out which of the disciples
would betray Jesus, and John did was Peter told him to do.
We see
them again partnered in the last chapter of the Gospel when John’s heart tells
him that the man on the shore is Jesus, but he lets Peter dive
in to be the one to meet up with Jesus.
Taking
all these stories together we are brought to see Peter and John as symbols.
Peter symbolizes church authority, while John symbolizes personal holiness that
brings one closer to Jesus.
In
recognizing John’s role Peter tells us that church authorities must honor
holiness. In recognizing Peter’s authority John shows us that respect for
church authority must be a part of a holy life.
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