The cynical Apostle -Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle – John 1: 45-51 (to be read from verse 35 for a better understanding)
Please find the Gospel reading in the audio clip above
Please find the Gospel reflection above
Jesus begins His ministry with borrowed disciples; they were not His, for they were first the disciples of John the Baptist. It is John the Baptist who hails Jesus as the Lamb of God, prompting the two initially unnamed disciples to follow Jesus. They must have been stalking Jesus long enough for Him to turn and ask them what they wanted. What were they looking for?
That’s the first take away from this Gospel; simply following Jesus makes little sense if we haven’t figured out what we want. What are we looking for? Jesus was most certainly looking for disciples, not followers. The answer we give to His question makes all the difference.
The answer of the two unnamed disciples was not some plea to be lodged for the night; they wanted a permanent home with Jesus. “Where do you live” was not a matter of asking for His address (which incidentally He had none). They wanted to be with Him, always. They wanted to be disciples, not followers. Which brings us to the second point; discipleship is not some ‘one night fleeting romance’, it calls for tough love.
The third take away from the Gospel is interesting. We often assume that a call, whatever state of life that call may be to, is followed by a process of discernment. Let’s not close ourselves to what happens in this Gospel . Much before the call, we find the disciples in a process of discernment, which includes a discussion between Jesus and the two unnamed disciples. Here there is a ‘discernment process’, after which Jesus calls the disciples, “come and see”. The discernment may also precede the call.
I’m really liking the podcast format Fr. Warner! Thank you for putting in so much effort it recording the readings and the reflections for us. Have you considered hosting your podcast on SoundCloud? That way it can be picked up by podcast apps.
No idea what that is but I’ll ask around
Father Warner you make us think about Jesus throughout the day. That’s really fantastic, after reading your reflections I have felt like the deciples on the way to Emmaus with Jesus, this has happened to me on so many times. even during your adoration, mass .
Thank you Father
God bless you 🙏
I was disappointed when you had to take a sabbatical due to ill health and the much needed rest. The podcast do help a great deal as i am in the routine of your Bible study and do miss the live sessions. Keep well and please take rest. Thank you Fr Warner. God bless you🙏
I was disappointed when you had to take a sabbatical due to ill health and the much needed rest. The podcast do help a great deal as i am in the routine of your Bible study and do miss the live sessions. Keep well and please take rest. Thank you Fr Warner. God bless you🙏