Reflection for May 23 Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 21:20-25

Gospel: 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.

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Reflection:

Does Jesus have a favorite disciple? It seems so, as the Gospel states: “Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them, the one who had also reclined upon His chest during the last supper and had said, ‘Master, who is the one who will betray You?’” (John 21:20).

In His humanity, Jesus was also like us. He felt deep affection for those among His disciples who were humble, faithful, and always close to Him. This disciple was John, whom Jesus loved dearly. John was also the one who remained with Jesus until His final breath on the cross (John 19:26–27). While many had fled in fear, John stayed. He remained present in the midst of suffering, pain, and sorrow because of his deep love for the Lord.

Like Jesus, we too have people in our lives whom we hold close to our hearts. We treasure those who remain loyal, caring, and faithful to us through both joyful moments and difficult seasons. In the same way, John expressed his love for Jesus not only through words, but also through faithful action. He stayed with Jesus until the very end.

As we reflect on John’s example, we are reminded that true love for the Lord is not measured merely by what we say, but by how faithfully we remain with Him in every season of life. It is easy for us to stay close to Jesus when life is blessed, peaceful, and comfortable. But can we still remain beside Him when following Him requires sacrifice, courage, patience, and trust?

May we ask the Lord to give us hearts like John — hearts that remain faithful even in trials, steadfast even in suffering, and loving even when the path becomes difficult. May our relationship with Jesus not be based only on blessings received, but on genuine love and unwavering devotion.

When others walk away from Jesus because of fear, hardship, or disappointment, will we remain beside Him until the very end?— Marino J. Dasmarinas