John 1:35-42 NRSVue
35The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
John the Baptist, who had an immense following in Jerusalem, does something
remarkable here. He points his followers towards Jesus, the Lamb of God. They
walk away from John and follow Jesus, with John’s blessing.
Reflection
John was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. He is happy to
see his followers leave him, and his influence wane, because he is witnessing
to Jesus. If we bring our ego to people, we bring death. If we bring Jesus,
we bring life.
Reflection
When people really 'see' Jesus - life is never again the same. Simon would
have a change of name, the Magi went back by another route, and millions
throughout the ages have found the same, some even giving their lives for
this man. To 'see' Jesus is to have some sort of glimpse of who he really is
- the compassionate healer, the one who loves to the end, the Son of God.
Reflection
Praying gently and with the imagination is a way of 'seeing' Jesus. Who is
he for you? What is your favourite name for him, as they liked the name
'Rabbi/Teacher'? Prayer asks for this knowledge like in St Ignatius' prayer:
'Lord, teach me to know you more, to love you more and serve you more
faithfully in my life'
Reflection
In a loving look you know that you are loved - perhaps by your child,
grandchild, boy or girlfriend, friend, parent, husband or wife. Jesus looked
hard at them - looked right into them - and called them. They were affirmed
and loved in that look. Prayer can start with you looking at God looking at
you. Take in the look, allow the look to warm you and invite you. The look of
Jesus says in its own way, ‘Come and see'.
Reflection
Prayer is time to come and see who the Lord is, and who we are ourselves.