Right Food

Today’s Gospel Text: Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5 and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; John 20:1a, 2-8

Reflection: There is a great mystery about the gospel of John and the language too is mysterious because every word supplies a profound meaning to the earnest seeker, who seeks the help of the Holy Spirit.

The mystery is in the various signs and symbolic language used in the gospel, of which some seem very explicit because of the long tradition of the church, which we as Catholics are fortunate to have them as a deposit of our faith, waiting to be re-discovered again and again by the earnest seekers.

One of the mysteries is today’s passage for reflection, particularly the mystery of the 'other disciple', who is sometimes referred to as the 'beloved disciple'.

Could he be the least in the kingdom of heaven, who we are called to imitate? (cfr. Mt. 11:11; Lk. 7:28) Indeed, he is a perfect example of true humility; dead to himself like the grain of wheat and having no ambition to excel in any worldly ways, even though he is capable, except to seek the glory of God revealed in Christ Jesus.

This is the message that strongly comes across in the overall gospel of John, the hour of glory yet to be revealed and revealed completely in the passion and cross of Christ.

If a man of ego wants to be the first to accomplish anything, buy, receive, honored, etc. the other disciple is satisfied in following the leader and yet will not lag behind in any way when it comes to the necessary aspect of discipleship.

He, in and through his refrained action, shows that the vital ingredient of true discipleship is that of faith; “Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.” (Vs. 8)

He is a satisfied disciple, satisfied with the things he has seen, touched and beheld about Christ Jesus (I Jn. 1:1) and his food is to feed himself with believing in what he sees about his master; for in believing his hunger is satisfied and his mind is never hungry again. 

Prayer:  Lord, help me to imitate John, the other disciple, the beloved one and to satisfy myself into believing your actions in this world and especially in the church.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us