January 17, 2021: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel 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 Jesus 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.

Reflection

We remain in the first chapter of John’s gospel as we begin to reflect on Jesus’ ministry this week. In this scene we see John again humbly pointing out Jesus – this time as the Lamb of God, perhaps a reference to the paschal Lamb that saved Israel at the time of the Exodus for Egypt. As John’s two disciples begin to follow Jesus, Jesus enters into relationship with them by asking them “what they are looking for.” That is a question that Jesus asks each one of us. Why is it we are following him? What is it we desire of him? We will see later in this gospel that Jesus often asks this question of those he meets.

In our relationship with Jesus, what is it we truly desire? Security, happiness, power, wealth, love? This question requires us to ponder our deepest needs. It appears those two disciples simply wanted to be with Jesus, to know where he was “staying” so they could be with him. Is it that simple and yet that profound? Might we just desire to always be with Jesus, whatever that might mean in the various times of our lives?

Action

Spend some time this week thinking about Jesus’ question to these disciples – “What are you looking for?” Pray for the grace to continue seeking with Jesus what is most important in your life.