Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The First Disciples

Today's Reflections



The First Disciples

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Jn 1:35-42
 
John was [standing] with two of his disciples, 36and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”37The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. 38Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
39He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 40Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. 41He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Reflection:

What are you looking for? Jesus’ question echoes a fundamental longing of men and women, touching their basic needs. We usually desire or dream of fame and fortune, beauty and prestige, success and security. Unfortunately, these are passing goods. Why not seek for something that will last forever? Why not look for someone who can give the fullness of life?

Jesus invites people, “Come and see.” The two disciples accept the invitation, stay with Jesus for a day, and go home with the realization that they have found the Messiah. Andrew is so electrified that he shares the good news with his brother Simon who, in turn, becomes a disciple and is renamed Peter.

As in the call of Andrew and Simon, God always makes the first move to seek and save us. God goes out to find and call us. He does not distance or hide himself from us. He reveals himself and comes looking for us.

To find Jesus is to stay with him. Then, having experienced him, we become his disciples and lead others to him.
What does Jesus want to see in me? What must I present and produce for Jesus? What am I looking for in this life?

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