Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 / John 21:20-25 (2020)
We have often heard of this phrase: No man is an island.
In a densely populated island-country like Singapore, who can ever say that he is a stand-alone or that he doesn't care about anybody around him?
Indeed, for better or otherwise, we will always be surrounded by people, and we will notice them just as they will notice us.
So we may or may not find it surprising that Peter should ask Jesus about the disciple whom He loved.
And it seemed that Jesus reproached Peter and told him to mind his own business.
Yet it order to have a better understanding of Peter's intentions, we might have to read the preceding passage.
Jesus had told Peter to feed His sheep and to follow Him and even indicated what kind of future Peter will have to face.
Well after knowing what is in store for him, Peter would certainly like to know what the rest would face, especially the disciple Jesus loved, whether it is out of concern or out of curiosity.
Therefore Jesus had to bring Peter back to focus on his commitment to love and the mission that he had received.
And as we prepare for the renewal and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, let us focus on our commitment to love and our mission to love.
Love is never about the self; it is always about others and for their good. Let us keep focused on that.