The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, January 4, 2006
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9
John 1:35-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“We have found the Messiah!”

What reaction did this short statement from Andrew elicit from his brother and others he told? Was it shock and surprise? Was it disbelief? Was it joy and shouting? The scripture is silent on this so all is conjecture.

The Jews had long been expecting a political Messiah to lead them from occupation and rule by the Romans and others. Perhaps Simon was expecting this when Andrew led him to Jesus. If he was not shocked when Andrew told him he had found the Messiah, he most certainly was when he met Jesus. Jesus knew all about Simon, called him by name, then promptly changed his name! This was no political or military Messiah, no this was something far more extraordinary, a man who knew Simon to the core and told him how his life would change as indicated by the change in his name.

Today we continue to find the Messiah. We are certainly called to go to others and repeat Andrew’s words. But, more importantly, what do we expect when we are led to Him and what is our reaction? Do we come to him on our knees in reverence of an almighty, all-loving God? Or are we simply cavalier about the whole thing? Do we come to Him thinking He is only there to give us more of something, or do we come in thanks for what He has given us and for the ultimate gift He gave us on the cross?

Peter most certainly realized immediately what he had encountered, and his life was forever changed.

Is yours?


- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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