John 1  35 – 42

The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb.”

The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, “What are you after?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”),  “where are you staying?”

He replied, “Come along and see for yourself.”

They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, “We’ve found the Messiah” (that is, “Christ”). He immediately led him to Jesus.

Jesus took one look up and said, “You’re John’s son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas” (or Peter, which means “Rock”).

Gospel Reflection

The Lord calls to us as well, constantly, to help us seek our salvation. Yet we often resist, considering it something to put off, like work after a time of play. Augustine experienced this and expressed it more explicitly than most, knowing he must convert and follow Christ but wishing to put that moment off as long as possible to enjoy his life of pleasure while feigning ignorance. Augustine wished to stay asleep as long as possible, and hoped to delay his awakening — even though in reality he had already awakened to the truth.

What is remarkable in the Gospel is the utter lack of hesitation mentioned in the answer to Jesus’ call by the disciples. In fact, they start following Him even before Jesus tells them, “Come, and you will see.” They experience no confusion, and even though Peter has a significant trade, he and the other disciples simply drop their previous lives and follow His call. They do not go to sleep, or have to be called on multiple occasions. They immediately recognize the authentic call of salvation and act on it.