Jesus Invites Us to Follow Him

By Raison D’Souza csc

Readings: Acts 26: 16- 20; Jn 21: 20- 25

She was burnt alive for the sake of justice. She had courage to fight against English domination in France. We celebrate her feast today. That is St Joan of Arc, a model of courage and conviction.

It is interesting to note that we are given the concluding verses of the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ and ‘The gospel of St John’ for our reflection today. In the first reading I see that St Paul was courageous to welcome all who came to him. He taught about Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance.

In the gospel reading Jesus asks Peter to follow him rather than being distracted with unnecessary matters. Today, Jesus gives me the same invitation to follow him ardently. It is easy to be distracted by the world which compares wealth to greatness. Even though wealth glitters it does not last. Just like St Joan of Arc and St Paul, Jesus invites me to be bold in following him.