Two disciples of St. John the Baptist were following Jesus, but at a distance. This is often the way Christians follow Jesus. We try to do God's will for the most part, but intentionally keep Jesus more than "arm's length" away. We don't let Him get close to us. However, Jesus will turn around and challenge us by asking: "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38) If we truthfully answer Jesus' question, we may have to say that we're looking for blessings, security, or peace of mind, although we should say we're looking for a deep, personal relationship with Him.
John's two disciples may have surprised themselves when they asked Jesus, " 'Rabbi (which means Teacher), where do You stay?' 'Come and see,' He answered. So they went to see where He was lodged, and stayed with Him that day" (Jn 1:38-39). Jesus wants His disciples to stay with Him, to have a relationship with Him that is deeply personal and totally consuming. He wants us to stay with Him when we leave church, go to work, talk with non-Christians, eat, watch TV, play, and go to bed. If we don't accept Jesus as Lord of all, He's not Lord at all. If we don't stay with Him, we haven't truly followed Him.
| PRAYER: | Father, beginning this Christmas season, may I stay with Jesus at the times when I previously left Him. |
| PROMISE: | "It was to destroy the devil's works that the Son of God revealed Himself." –1 Jn 3:8 |
| PRAISE: | St. Elizabeth's sisters have served the people of Cincinnati, Ohio for 190 years. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College