💖 HOMILY - JUNE 7 💖

First Reading - Acts 28:16-31

Gospel - John 21:20-25

Today’s readings speak to us about personal responsibility in our journey as followers of Jesus. Each of us is entrusted with a unique mission—to proclaim the Good News of Christ in our own way, in our own place, and in the circumstances given to us.

In the Gospel, we witness an interesting moment between Peter and Jesus. Peter, with natural curiosity, asks Jesus about the future of John. Jesus gently redirects Peter’s attention: “What is that to you? You follow me.” With this response, Jesus teaches us that what truly matters is not our concern over others’ paths or destinies, but our own faithful response to the call we have received. Each disciple has a different journey, but one purpose—to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Our task is not to speculate or compare, but to remain faithful to our calling, trusting in the promise of Christ.

The Gospel passage also concludes with a powerful testimony from the evangelist John, affirming the truth of what he has written. He acknowledges that his Gospel contains only a fraction of what Jesus said and did, reminding us that our faith is also nourished by the living Tradition of the Church handed down by the Apostles and Fathers. This, too, is part of the Good News we are called to receive, live, and share.

The first reading shows Paul in a deeply symbolic setting—under house arrest in Rome, physically confined yet spiritually free. Though bound by chains, Paul continues to preach the Kingdom of God and teach about Jesus Christ boldly and without hindrance. What a striking image of a man fully committed to his mission! His circumstances do not silence him. On the contrary, they amplify his witness. He teaches us that even when we face restrictions—physical, social, or personal—nothing can prevent the Gospel from being proclaimed if our hearts remain faithful.

Paul's life reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel is not always about dramatic preaching or public speaking. It’s about remaining faithful in every moment, using whatever means we have—whether through words, actions, relationships, or sacrifices—to make Christ known. The mission of the Gospel is not hindered by our limitations; it is hindered only by our unwillingness.

Dear brothers and sisters, just as Peter, John, and Paul had their individual roles in the early Church, so each of us has a unique place in the Body of Christ. We are not called to do everything—but we are called to do something. Our talents, our limitations, our opportunities—each one is a gift, entrusted to us for the building up of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.

Jesus tells us today: “You follow me.” That is our call—to follow Him, to stay close to Him, and to fulfill our responsibility with love and fidelity. Let us not compare, not delay, not excuse ourselves. Let us find a way to proclaim the Gospel wherever we are—at home, at work, in our communities—by the witness of our lives and the faithfulness of our hearts.

Let us pray today that we may respond generously to our personal call, that we may be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel by our lives, and that like Paul, we may find ways to witness to Christ even when circumstances are difficult.

May Jesus strengthen us to be His witnesses in every season of life. Amen.