Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”
Jesus answered him,
“Where I am going, you cannot follow me now,
though you will follow later.”

John 13:36

Here are the complete readings for Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

(“Saint John” Our Mother of Africa Chapel-Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception)

These readings during Holy Week remind me of the folly of self-centered expectations, especially when we try to justify having the feelings at all. We want our life’s narratives to be linear, and on an upward or tangibly rewarding trend, because we believe we deserve it. For me professionally, the narrative took its own special path. Like most schools, our high school annually honors a staff member with a “teacher/staff member of the year” award. Like everyone else, each year I hoped that my name would be called at the schoolwide ceremony (anyone who says they don’t care is lying). My mind took on a well crafted narrative about what would happen. I knew what I would be wearing, when I would see my wife, parents and children emerging from the crowd to greet me, and the hugs and hi-fives from my colleagues while the students stood in applause. It didn’t happen. As time marched on, I grew more impatient and disappointed. Years passed. My kids grew older and busier. My dad died. Then, after 19 years, my name was called! What made this day special was not just the honor itself but the way the ceremony transpired. You see, this award was bestowed on me in 2020, during the COVID pandemic. I found out about it alone in my office, watching my principal speak about me on a livestream video broadcast. I emerged, wearing a mask, and there was my wife to greet me. That was not at all how I thought that this moment would occur, but I was grateful for the good Lord’s sense of humor. It was a much needed lesson in humility and gratitude and a moment of grace. This reflection isn’t some reminder about everything happening for a reason. For me, Holy Week is a reminder about the presence of the Beloved in uncertain or perilous moments and our awareness of how much greater this presence is compared to what we think we need to make us fulfilled.

 It is this communion with the living God
which is at the heart of your life
as a child of God,
disciple of Jesus,
witness of God’s spirit,
quickened member of God’s Body,
and brother or sister to the world. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, when we are unsettled or disappointed, help us to understand not so much what has happened but why we are disappointed. May we recognize our own brokenness in being attached to what will inevitably vanish from our eyes and slip from our grasp. Your ways seem unclear and mysterious to us. Help us accept this mystery as a type of grace that fosters hope and trust in your kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen