MULTIPLICITY OF GIFTS
There are a multiplicity of gifts and talents that our heavenly Father
distributes for the common good - for nurturing life - not what the world's
agenda is about.
The conclusion of
the Gospel of John is not meant to suggest that Peter is opposed to the Beloved
Disciple. Peter and John were both called forth to serve as a disciple of Jesus
Christ and each was given a different task or function. To Peter's question about
the fate of the other disciple, Jesus simply answers that he should not be
concerned. Peter's task is to follow the path Jesus has set before him. Far
from creating a rivalry between these two men, Jesus recognizes a multiplicity
of gifts that each one has been blessed with. Peter will function as the
shepherd of Jesus' flock, while the Beloved Disciple will serve as the witness
par excellence to Jesus' revelation.
Jesus Christ's
response is instructive for us today as well. The most important occupation we
all have is to follow Christ Jesus, just as Peter was instructed to do. We, as
His disciples, must recognize that there are a multiplicity of gifts and
talents that our heavenly Father distributes for the common good - for
nurturing life - not what the world's agenda is about. Let us recall St. Paul's
teaching from his Letter to the Corinthians, "There are different kinds of
spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but
the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God Who produces all
of them in everyone" (1 Cor 12:5 - 6).
I like how John
ends his Gospel; it gives us a lot to ponder on. "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" (Jn 21:25). His power is inexhaustible, His grace is limitless,
His wisdom unfathomable!
Let us thank God
for the multiplicity of gifts!