Gospel

We have found the Messiah

From the Gospel according to John. 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 Gospel of the Lord

What am I searching for?

Lord, what am I seeking in my relationship with you? What am I seeking from life? I know that being a Christian is a full commitment, and it’s not easy. Frequently, I come across my reluctance, making my cross difficult to bear. I don’t fully trust You and Your plan for me. I struggle to accept the daily crosses. I find myself willing but not much beyond that. I need you, Lord. I know you live in me, and I need to rely on you.

Applied to married life:

Andrew: This morning, once again, over a trivial matter, we argued, and now the whole day is ruined. We were doing so well…

Christine: You often say nice things to me, but when it comes down to it, you’re not there for me. I don’t feel really loved.

Andrew: I try to steer away from conversations that don’t come from God. And that’s what I did this morning. But I admit I wasn’t by your side and didn’t respond to your need for me at that moment. You started saying negative things about me, and I got scared that we would ruin the good atmosphere we had achieved. In the end, I didn’t succeed, and you were disappointed with me. All I can say is: Forgive me, my wife.

Christine: We need to talk, Andrew. You can’t run away every time. I understand that I might not be looking at you with kind eyes, and that hurts you. I apologize for that, but our relationship needs to be honest. Let’s show each other what’s in our hearts, no matter how ugly, or we won’t build anything together.

Andrew: We are too limited for that, Christine. I don’t feel capable; I know we will hurt each other and break communion. We can’t rely on our fallen nature. We need God to intervene in all of this. I suggest we do it in prayer, speaking to God about what’s in our hearts while the other listens. This way, we ensure that the Spirit will be among us.

Christine: Okay. In prayer. Sounds good.

Mother,

How many experiences of the Gospel would you have lived alongside Jesus? It was like dealing directly with the Word. How many things did you experience that you kept in your Heart? How many unforgettable experiences. Today, Mother, we want to sit around you, so you can tell us all those experiences of God that marked your life. We would love to hear from you. Praise be to the Messiah, the Christ, who calls us to follow him.”