January 15 2006

Jn 1:35-42 John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,“Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,“What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” which translated means Teacher, “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him,“We have found the Messiah” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said,“You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” which is translated Peter.
The naming of Peter, the rock from Simon, the son of John establishing and foretells the role of Peter in the Church. He will be the rock that the Lord builds the Church on. The naming of Peter is part of foreseeing his new part in the salvation history. Simon believes his brother Andrew who tells him of the Messiah and brings him to Jesus. John had announced to Andrew and another disciple that Jesus was the Lamb of God. When they are asked by Jesus what they are looking for they call Jesus Rabbi, teacher. It is a truly loving brother Andrew whose first act upon believing that Jesus is the Messiah is to go and bring his own brother. The brother does not question but follows.

I have a special love of Peter. Peter was the one who denied Christ during the passion although when warned that he would do this was so sure he could not. Peter made many impulsive moves. He was able to go to God and ask for forgiveness. He is for me most like who I am of all the apostles. He is my hope also as the rock of faith to cling to through any storm or event that may come in this world. I pray today that I have the rock of faith to uphold me and the humility and trust to go to God with all my faults and failings and the wisdom to always listen to the Word of God as my teacher.