As a writer, I have all kinds of problems with the twenty-first chapter of John’s gospel. It’s a strange coda to his non-synoptic narrative that reminds me of those deleted scenes that are typically included on a DVD’s bonus features.
After more or less finishing his text in Chapter 20, it’s as though John remembered he had a few leftover plot points he wanted to incorporate – like how Jesus made everybody breakfast – but didn’t feel like doing another rewrite. I feel his pain, but I expect a little more effort from the “beloved disciple” – or at least a disclaimer explaining the addendum.
That being said, this post-script is oddly appropriate at a time of year when so many young people are standing on the precipice between all that has happened before and all that is still to come. As one life ends and a new one “commences” I suppose it’s only natural to throw one’s hands up in the air and say, “What do you want from me, God?”
It’s a question we ponder when we see a classmate score a full scholarship to their dream school, while we are sweating out our financial aid package. It’s a question that becomes a little desperate when our friend lands a high paying job at a well-known company while we send out yet another batch of resumes. And it’s a question we ask with some irony when an acquaintance announces his or her engagement and we haven’t had a date in months. Even if we believe deep down on our hearts that God has a plan for our lives, we really wish He would tell us what it is. Preferably with a neon sign so that we can’t possibly miss it.
The thing is, with God, there are no deleted scenes in the movie of our lives. The plots may thicken. We may lose sight of the storyline and we may compare our lines with other characters in our script, but in today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells us not to concern ourselves with that. Rather, it is best to concentrate on the vocation He has called us to.
Although it is a word that we typically associate with those who choose to enter the religious life, every one of us is called to a vocation. No matter if we get married, remain single, are young, old, rich, poor, well known or relatively anonymous, God has a purpose for our lives and if we truly belong to Him, then we will follow His direction wherever it leads. That is the point of John’s epilogue. (And to make sure he gets credit for writing it, but I digress.) We will fulfill our role in this grand production we call “life.” We will bear witness to the good news of Christ. We will feed, serve and love His flock because we are called to a vocation that matters long after the curtain comes down and the show is over.
Because we are the beloved disciples and we belong to Him.
Today’s Readings for Mass: ACTS 28: 16-20, 30-31; PS 11: 4,5 and 7; JN 21: 20-25
