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Vocation Meditation -
January 18, 2009
Used with permission from ChristianComputerArt.Com
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi, (which when translated means Teacher), where are you staying?" He 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.
This passage is laden with little yet very revealing touches of Jesus' early encounters. John the Baptist here is pointing beyond himself. Introducing Jesus to his friends would mean their transfer of loyalty to Jesus, the new and greater Teacher; yet he did it. There was no jealousy in John. He had come to attach people not to himself but to Christ. He is aware of His vocation: to send people to Jesus!
Upon seeing this 'Lamb of God', the two disciples followed Jesus. They followed him respectfully from some distance behind. And Jesus did something entirely characteristic. He turned and spoke to them. He met them half-way. He made things easier for them, opening the 'door' of dialogue that they might come in. This is a symbol of God's initiative. It is always God who takes the first step. When the human mind begins to seek and the human heart begins to long, God comes to meet us far more than half-way.
Jesus began by asking the most fundamental question in life: 'What are you looking for?' They wished to know where Jesus stayed. They were seekers of what the Rabbi could give: knowledge and more. Asking for where He lived would mean they did not wish to speak to Jesus only on the road, exchanging few words in passing, as chance acquaintances would. Their answer revealed their desire to linger long with Him and talk out their concerns and their hopes. Those who would be Jesus' disciples can never be satisfied with a passing word. They wanted to meet Jesus, as a friend in their own homes, and as friends in His dwelling. Jesus' reply: 'Come and see' was an invitation not only to come and talk, but to come and find the things that He alone could open out to them. And they stayed with Him till 'about 4:00pm'. For them it was just unforgettable! After that hour, they knew life became different from then on. With Jesus, their vocation was sealed.
Vocation Challenge:
Staying more with Jesus, my vocation will be sealed.
Friend, what are you looking for?
Dear God,
I want to follow You, at times unsure of myself and indecisive to respond. Yet, you meet me half-way before I could even muster myself to make the right moves. You take the initiative to place me in dialogue with you. In you, I gradually know what I am looking for. May that dialogue never end.
Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.