Following Jesus – John 1:35-42 Reflection
Are you being transformed from one degree of faith to another gradually or perhaps the rarer suddenly? Looking back, you will see distinct and treasured moments when you began following Jesus. Andrew and Peter’s rapid movement toward Jesus can give us an appreciation of God’s plan for the possibilities of our transformation. Following Jesus can occur quickly, but for most of us, accepting God’s plan happens slowly. Sometimes, the plan seems so slow we do not recognize the subtlety of how we have been moving in a God-given direction. You may have had that one day it all came together, and you said yes. There can also be the possibility you have embraced the change from being a disciple learning to an apostle leading in a journey like Andrew and Peter.
The Calling of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more detail are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections, Additional Christmastide Reflections, Additional Advent Reflections
John 1:35-42 – Scripture*
The First Disciples of Jesus
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 1:35-42 Reflection – Following Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 1 passage.
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Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.