Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 4, 2024

Date:   Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

 Scripture Text:  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. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then 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. 

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel text taken from the first chapter of the Gospel of John recalls John the Baptist’s testimony to his disciples about Jesus and their decision to follow Jesus. Shortly afterwards, Andrew goes out to his brother Simon to give witness to Jesus and his brother, too, comes to Jesus. We see in this short account the power of personal witness to Christ.

We also see, in this short text, the power of coming to Christ and abiding with Christ, staying with Christ. When Jesus noticed them following Him, he questioned why. The two following asked simply “where are you staying?” Jesus told them in response, “Come, and you will see.” And they did. They followed Christ and they “abided” with Christ, they “remained” with Christ.  

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I following Christ truly? Am I abiding with Christ? Am I allowing Christ to abide with me?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You came into the world so that we might have life and have it abundantly. You draw us to You through your love for the Father and for each of us. Send your Spirit to illuminate our paths as we seek to come to You daily and to remain with You. Amen.