Ostium Catholic

Acts ends in the middle. Paul is in Rome, in chains, receiving everyone who comes and preaching without hindrance. The book does not give you his death or his release. It ends in the ongoing mission because the mission was not concluded. The story began in Jerusalem and reached Rome, and the implication is that it continues from there into everywhere.

John ends by naming the limits of the text: what you have been given is sufficient for faith and life, and it is not all there is. The world could not contain what was left unwritten. The Gospel is the door into something infinite.

What about him? Peter asks Jesus about the Beloved Disciple. Jesus redirects: what is that to you? Follow me. In your twenties the comparison is constant - other people's paths, outcomes, gifts, relationships. Jesus's answer to the comparison is not an explanation of the other person's path. It is a redirection to your own. What is that to you? Follow me. Your course. Your commission. Your particular following.

Tomorrow is Pentecost. The Spirit arrives. The ordinary time - the long season of following - begins.

What is that to you? Name one comparison you have been making this season that is pulling your attention from your own following. Say the answer: what is that to me? Follow me. Then follow.

Lord, let me receive all who come with complete assurance and without hindrance. And let me stop asking about everyone else's path. What is that to me? I am following you. Come, Holy Spirit. Alleluia. Amen.