Daily reflection _ multiplicity of gifts

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.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
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!