The Other Disciple

Gospel: John 20: 1-8

 

Today we find ourselves at the tomb of Jesus – at the very end of his life on earth two days after the celebration of the very beginning of his life on earth.  Our focus is on this other disciple who goes with Peter to the tomb.  It is often a challenge to go with Peter, the one who is always the first to speak and the first to act.  Everyone knows Peter and everyone knows of his words and deeds, which can be good and bad depending. 

 

But the other disciples goes about his work in obscurity and humility.  He serves the Lord without any name recognition or notoriety.  He is content to love and serve others without any accolades or attention to himself.  It is enough for him that the Lord alone knows; it is enough for him that God loves him and acknowledges him in many silent, unseen ways.  This is what it is to be the other disciple.

 

There are plenty of people who want to be Peter; their words and deeds are ever present and known.  There are precious few who seek to be the other disciple – working, loving, and serving in obscurity and humility.  The humble manger with a host of unnamed shepherds and wise ones from the east calls us to consider this humble disciple, to imitate his humble service throughout our life.