The First Disciples

Today's Reflections  

                       

The First Disciples 

http://graceandspace.org

Jn 1:35-42

³⁵The next day John was there again 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).

Reflections

Come, and you will see. Jesus continues to invite us today, “Come, and you will see.” The invitation is one that requires a mature answer. We know that following Jesus means wanting to stay where he stays, to go where he goes, and to believe what he believes in. Once we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we treasure this experience, and the valuing drives us to share it with others.

This is the lesson Andrew imparts to us. He goes to his brother Simon and tells him that he has personally found the Messiah. And Simon’s encounter with Jesus is just as life-changing, even as Jesus calls him Cephas (Petros), a rock on which he will build. This initial call of Peter will later be tested; his relationship with Jesus will have to grow. He will fail, but he will rise with the help of Jesus.

Andrew’s action has also led Jesus to others. We have to let Jesus enter into our life; his invitation to us is as fresh as ever.

Invitations are opportunities for us

to open ourselves to others.

How discerning are we in accepting

these invitations?

Do we feel God’s hand in them?