Daily Gospel Reflection for January 4, 2020

Today's Gospel: John 1:35-42 - Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton In these early verses of the first chapter of John’s gospel, we meet three men who were integral to Jesus’ earthly mission and the eventual spread of His teachings. In Bethany across the Jordan, John had already been foretelling the coming of the Messiah. In today’s passage, as soon as John saw Jesus for the second time, he recognized Him and proclaimed his testimony, saying to two of his followers, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Those two disciples heard John and followed Jesus. Noticing them, Jesus asked them simple yet profound words: “What are you looking for?” Ultimately, they went with Jesus, whom they had called Rabbi (Teacher) and stayed with Him. Excitedly, Andrew found his brother Simon and told him the big news, bringing him to meet the teacher. Jesus took one look at Simon and told him his new name, Cephas, “Peter”. On this day when we celebrate the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, a convert, wife, mother, religious sister, and teacher of the faith, it’s good to pause and reflect upon words of hers that remind us again of our unique and certain calling to follow the Lamb of God ourselves:

“We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that He gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.”

In this small section of the Bible, we find a major portion of the very same salvation history in which you and I now play a role. Jesus’ coming was foretold. Jesus was recognized, believed, and followed. Jesus collected close to Him disciples who, despite their many shortcomings, would go on to spread the Good News and form our Church. We follow in their path today, doing our part as they did to know, love and teach others about the Lamb of God.