The contents of the Gospel of Mark are traditionally traced to Peter, (meaning he was Mark’s source). John is attributed to John, and John is considered to be the “beloved disciple” and the “eyewitness” about whom we hear in the fourth Gospel. 

Because of the difference in which details of Gospel events are included or omitted in Mark and John, it can seem that there was a rivalry between Peter and John (or at least their disciples). 

Mark tends to include information that could slightly embarrass John. Note that Mark mentions a considerably embarrassing moment for John where he and his brother ask to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand. When they try to get Jesus to agree to their request before they tell him what it is, they say, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 

John and James can seem a little bit like brats! Jesus makes this into a teaching moment at the expense of John’s pride. This section is left out of John! 

John, on the other hand, includes details that embarrass Peter and omits details that embarrass John. For instance, Mark’s Gospel does not name the apostle who draws his sword and strikes the high priest’s slave. 

John is sure to mention that this apostle who acted so rashly and against the wishes of his master was none other than Peter. And there are many other examples to which we could look. 

Peter and John were the No. 1 and 2 disciples. They were part of Jesus’ inner circle. And yet, Peter and John, as we know, played very different roles in the life of Jesus. It was the two of them, along with James, who were present at the Transfiguration and the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter; they were also the ones Jesus requested to stay awake with him to pray in Gethsemane. James, being John’s brother, may have simply been John’s tag-along at these events. 

Please note that in the Gospel passage we proclaim on Easter morning, John is very careful to mention that John (mentioned as “the other disciple”) beat Peter to the tomb in their foot race. John 20 states: “So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first.” 

We know, of course, from our Catholic tradition, that this is symbolic of authority, as represented by Peter, and love, as represented by John, as having their respective places in the life of the Christian. 

We can remember, especially when we are annoyed or angry, that people are generally good. Listen to the words of Pope Francis: “From my point of view, God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” Recognize the presence of God within us. 

Can we see each of our brothers and sisters not as competition for the top spot, not as annoyances, but as they are truly meant to be seen, as someone who is precisely our brother or sister, someone who is in our life as a blessing? Peter and John could and did, especially after the resurrection of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Two different men, two different personalities, two different styles of living out their apostolic callings, but one heart, one mind — the mind of Christ Jesus.