The gospel in Today's Readings is a clear contrast between Jesus and the disciples in their understanding what God's will is for them. Jesus saw where his future would take him. His friends could not get there with him. Peter, in particular, try as he may, cannot change the course of events. In the gospel section just prior to this part of St. John's writing, Peter had pleaded with Jesus to wash much more than his feet if it would associate himself more closely with Jesus. But as we know and read, Peter would falter.What about us? Doesn't Peter's way, his wishes, his speaking out not symbolize the struggle most of us have at one time or another in our own lives? Aren't there times when we want something else, something more? Aren't there times when we make promises to God about what we can do for him only become like Peter and falter?
We have to learn, no matter what our age might be that God knows what is best for us. God knows what we can handle. His Holy Spirit is there for us to guide and lead. We have to be open to the Spirit; we have to listen. We want to follow Jesus. We do not want to walk out on him as Judas did. Paul's words in Romans (12:12) are meaningful: "Let joy be your hope. Be patient in your trials."
