Being Myself

Our gospel today presents two saints who evidently had an impact on Jesus, and certainly on the Church.  When we look at the few details we have of their lives, we see that each one simply was himself but mixed with grace, that was enough.  Peter's impulsive temperament  led him to extremes:  walking on water, cutting off the ear of Malchus, denying Jesus three times, repenting with bitter tears, declaring Jesus as the Messiah, and realizing that there was no other place to go, but to him. These flaws, these gifts, made Peter the chosen leader of the Twelve and later of the Church.
John, young, tender, deeply reflective, loving, loyal, obedient, trustworthy, became the caretaker of Mary and the author of the 4th Gospel which presents a loving Jesus whose message is love and welcome to all. John was close to Jesus, the beloved disciple, whose later years were devoted to contemplating Jesus, and sharing the fruits of his reflections and insights with us, as only he could do it.  Thank God John was John, and Peter, Peter.  Can we say that about ourselves?  How is God using ME to contribute to the building up of my family,  community, circle of friends, the Church?
Bro. Rene