Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
Readings: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9; Jn 1:35-42
Notes
As he watched Jesus walk by, [John] said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him.
- Jesus asks: “What are you looking for?”
- Two disciples of John ask: “Where are you staying?”
- Jesus replies: “Come, and you will see.”
Summary
The Five W’s and How are the hallmark of believers who wish to understand the full scope of the question of Jesus.
- Who is Jesus: The Lamb of God.
- What is Jesus: He is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.
- Where: Come and see.
- When: Come (now).
- How: Stay.
Reflection
It is good to ask questions. Sometimes the questions reveal a deeper exchange than what first appears.
Jesus asks: “What are you looking for?”
Two disciples of John ask: “Where are you staying?”
Jesus replies: “Come, and you will see.”
In case you forgot, anyone who answers a question with a question is usually hiding their true question. Since this is sacred Scripture we would refine that to say the disciples are using a Socratic method of inquiry. A question to a question to reveal the major question and intention.
This is the major question unsaid. How do you spend the Sabbath? The importance is to read ahead the gospel of John and then come back to the question. The gospel of John is replete with this question and generally in the contrasting form of the leadership challenging Jesus on his activities and worship on Sabbath days (usually as an accusation of sin and unworthiness to be followed – or called Rabbi).
How does Jesus reply: “Come, and you will see.” – See for yourself. See for yourself. The entirety of the healing and transforming of worship by the Son of God, Lamb of God. It s entirely being the Real Presence of the Lord. It is entirely in The Way and in The Name.
These disciples, the first three, spend their first day with Jesus at rest on the Sabbath. In fact it is the first three commandments.
- I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.
Personal Reflection
Jesus teaches us in the Gospel of John what true rest is in the Lord. And it isn’t sitting with coffee and danish and watching football. Nor is it only going to temple. Nor is it only reading sacred Scripture. It is in the staying. Staying with Jesus. My best days and fondest thoughts and memories are when I stay with him.
“Where are you staying?”
“Come, and you will see.”
First Reading
In this way, the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain; no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother.
Responsorial
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Gospel Acclamation
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
Gospel
The First Disciples. Andrew, John the son of Zebedee, Simon (Peter), Philip, and Nathanael. Five first disciples, a sufficient number of followers to be called Rabbi.
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.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry