Word to the Wise
Friday, January 4, 2019 - Jan. 4
[1 John 3:7-10 and John 1:35-42]John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus 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?" He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day." [John]
JANUARY 4 ST, ELIZABETH ANN SETON
The story of the two disciples of John the Baptist who hear what John says and follow Jesus describes a process that will occur over and over again in the Gospel According to John. It is a step by step dramatic process whereby someone comes to faith in Jesus. It is a different experience to read a play than to attend its performance. In reading, certain words may take the place of gestures or scenery that we would see in a performance. The two disciples first HEAR of Jesus and then FOLLOW him and hear the challenging question: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? They ask where Jesus is STAYING. He replies, COME AND YOU WILL SEE.
"Seeing" and "Staying (or remaining)" are very important words in this gospel. Seeing means believing. Remaining means commitment. Andrew and the other disciple experience this conversion and then they go and find others and bring them to Jesus. We can read the stories in this gospel of Nathaniel [John 1:45-51]. the Samaritan woman [4:4-42]. and the Man Born Blind [9:1-40] and encounter the same dramatic step-by-step process.
We who consider ourselves to be disciples of Jesus and see with the eyes of faith and remain with him as the one whom God has sent are witnesses to this process of faith. We can tell others about Jesus and even bring them to him, but they will undergo the step-by-step process of first seeing and then remaining. Our role is to be patient and consistent in our own faith and commitment. The RCIA programs in parishes throughout our country are a practical example, but the process may take place less formally. We may meet someone who says, "Well...I was baptized Catholic but....." and be the catalyst whereby they once more see and remain. An intentional attention to this process could be the stuff of a good New Year's Resolution! AMEN