You Follow Me

You Follow Me

May 26, 2012

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

But when the Jews objected, I was obliged to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no accusation to make against my own nation.  This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains."  Acts 28:19-202

When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"  Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?  What concern is it of yours?  You follow me."  John 21:21-22

Piety

Father, the words are simple.  Though our piety, make us better able to contemplate what these words mean as we attempt to walk with Youand Your Son.  Jesus, help us to study these words so that we can break free of the chains of distractions and temptations that lead us away from our path with you.  Holy Spirit, send your gifts so that we may turn these words into the right relations with the Lord and each other. Amen.

Study

"You follow me."  In the Good News, these three simple words could be considered the Last Commandment.  These are the last words of Jesus spoken to his disciples...a concluding message to our great triple headers of Lent--Triduum--Easter.  Another way to look at "You follow me" is as the basic message to carry us through Ordinary

Time until we reach Advent, our next season of preparation at the beginning of the next liturgical year.  Maybe the next time you walk through the aisles of The Paschal Lamb or the Family Christian Bookstores, there will be a bracelet with these words engraved.  Right next to those WWJD products.

These words were prompted by Peter's final outburst.  After thrice being given the commandment to "Feed my sheep," Peter pressed Jesus to tell him about John's duty.  Maybe Peter was feeling a little put out -- a little singled out.  Yet Jesus does not give in to Peter's ego nor to Peter's possible envy directed to the disciple whom Jesus loved.  "You follow me" become the last words of tough love that set Simon Peter on his path of execution -- fulfilling the commandments and ultimately being led to his death on the cross.  

Action

Don't measure yourself against each other.  Measure yourself against what Jesus asks of us.

How can you put these words -- You Follow Me -- into action?  Today is the last day of our high holy seasons. During the last 95 days, we have prepared ourselves in Lent with a special commitment to prayer, fasting and alms giving.  We gave over ourselves on Palm Sunday to walk with Jesus intriumph into Jerusalem.  We then walked with him throughout Holy Week in defeat to Calvary and stood at the foot of the cross.  Our steps in Easter traced the path to Emmaus where we went from not recognizing Him in our midst to another great Epiphany.  Where will our steps take us as we cross the threshold back into Ordinary Time after Pentecost Sunday?  

How will we follow Him every day, 24/7?

Make yourself a little prayer card.  Decorate one side with your favorite image or icon. On the other, print these three simple words so they will guide you through the chains ofyour distractions and selfish pursuits. Stay on the right path with this gentle reminder of the Last Commandment.

You.  Follow.  Me.