“Faithful Witness: Follow Me, Proclaim Without Fear.”

As Eastertide draws to a close, the Church gives us a powerful closing image: two different but united vocations, Paul proclaiming and the Beloved Disciple witnessing. In the first reading, Paul is in chains in Rome, yet the Word of God is not chained. Despite his imprisonment, he “proclaims the Kingdom of God… with complete assurance and without hindrance.” This is striking: outwardly restricted, inwardly free. Paul shows us that our circumstances do not define our mission. Even in limitations, suffering, or misunderstanding, the Gospel can still be boldly lived and shared. In the Gospel, Peter turns to compare his path with that of the Beloved Disciple: “Lord, what about him?” Jesus responds firmly: “What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” These words cut to the heart of discipleship. Comparison distracts; vocation is personal. Each disciple is called to a unique way of following Christ, some through visible leadership like Peter, others through quiet, faithful witness like the Beloved Disciple. Together, these readings remind us of two essential truths: Your mission is yours — do not measure it against others. Your witness matters — whether public like Paul or hidden like the Beloved Disciple. The Psalm adds a final note of hope: “The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.” The goal of all our proclamation and discipleship is not success, recognition, or even results—it is communion with God. As we stand on the threshold of Pentecost, we are invited to ask: Am I comparing my path with others, or faithfully following Jesus where He leads me? Am I allowing fear or limitation to silence my witness? The risen Christ speaks the same words to us today: “You follow me.”