Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 4, 2025

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:

The gospel reading for today comes from the 1st Chapter of the Gospel of John. Though a short reading, it is powerful in its witness to Christ and in its invitation to us as modern disciples. First, we see the power of giving witness to Christ. The disciples were introduced to Christ through the words of John the Baptist but also inspired to follow Him. Second, we see the first rule of disciple, remaining with Christ. “Where are you staying?” Third, we see Andrew bring his brother to Christ, and we recognize our call to bring Christ to others and others to Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to bring Christ to others and others to Christ? Do I recognize the importance of remaining with Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we give You thanks for the gift of your only-begotten Son to us as we continue to celebrate the Christmas season. And we give thanks to those in our lives who introduced us to Christ, your beloved Son. Send your Spirit to stir within us the apostolic courage to speak of Christ to others, to share the wonder of His loving sacrifice for us. Grant that we may always and everywhere seek to remain in Him so that He may remain in us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.