Sunday, January 17th 2021 | By Rev. Michael P. Hanifin
Our Liturgical Season changed as of last Monday. This Sunday is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time and our readings this weekend focus on what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
The Gospel of John portrayed these attributes as John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus’ first disciples. Upon seeing Jesus, John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The lamb is a reference to the Jewish sacrificial offering at Passover and reveals Jesus as Savior. Once the two disciples who were with John heard this, they immediately followed Jesus. He turned to those following Him and asked, “What are you looking for?” They responded with, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”
Imagine Jesus asking that of you, “What are you looking for?” We might respond with answers like a better job, more kids, retirement, or any number of things that we think would make our lives better. The things we seek may be righteous, but as disciples of Christ, we should first and foremost seek the Kingdom of God. If we strive to respond to Jesus’ question in the same way the first disciples responded, essentially by asking, “Where are you, Lord?” then we will not be disappointed with the outcome.
In his inaugural Presidential Speech, John F. Kenney was known to say, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” As intentional disciples of Jesus Christ, we ought to ask not what Jesus can do for us but what we can do for Jesus and His Church.
This story of the first disciples and their initial encounter with Jesus concludes with the future apostle Andrew intentionally sharing the Good News of Christ to his brother, Simon Peter. Andrew had the gift of meeting the Lord and did not keep it only to himself, as if it were some deep secret. Instead, he sought out his brother and proclaimed what he had experienced, which serves as a reminder for us. Our calling is to be missionary disciples — to seek the Lord and then share what we have found with others. Our faith is a gift! Jesus said, “The gift you received give as a gift” (Matthew 10:8). We should strive to share this gift with others.