Tuesday, December 27 : Saint Aelred of Rielvaux
There are some persons who think they are not loved because they cannot be promoted, and who allege that they are despised, if they are not entrusted with responsibilities and offices. We know that as a result of this type of thinking no small discord has sprung up among those who were considered friends, so that estrangement followed upon indignation, and railings upon estrangement (…). Let no one say that he is held in contempt for the reason that he is not promoted, since the Lord Jesus preferred Peter to John in this respect; nor did he, on that account, lessen his affection for John, because he had given Peter the leadership. To Peter he commended his Church; to John, his most beloved Mother (Jn 19:27). To Peter he gave the keys of his kingdom (Mt 16:19); to John he revealed the secrets of his heart (Jn 13:25). Peter, therefore, was the more exalted; John, the more secure. Although Peter was established in power, nevertheless when Jesus said, “One of you will betray me,” (Jn 13:21) he was afraid and trembled along with the rest; but John, leaning on the bosom of his Master, was made the bolder, and at a nod from Peter asked who the traitor was. Peter, therefore, was exposed to action, John was reserved for love, according to the words of Christ: “So will I have him remain till I come.” Thus Christ gave us the example that we might do in like manner.
Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team
