Scripture Scribbles: January 14, 2024

the Gospel

John 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 devotion

For my 10th birthday, my grandfather Dede hand crafted a beautiful wooden stool. “I want you to grow up to be as gentle as a lamb,” Dede elaborated as he pointed to the skillfully etched lamb holding a long-stemmed rose in its mouth.

When John pronounced, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Andrew and Peter followed immediately. Yet, following this lamb wouldn’t be easy because it meant suffering and ultimate death. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter …” (Isaiah 53:7) I shudder to think of suffering, dying to the self. There is nothing more difficult in life than to become a true follower of Jesus Christ.

To be His disciple, my frail nature would have to totally rely on His grace. “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) As frequently as possible, I behold (during Mass & Eucharistic adoration) and receive (during Holy Communion) the lamb of God in the hope that I may each day become more like the lamb of God – gentle, loving, and self-giving.

Echoing the last words of Garo martyr Nokseng, “I have decided to follow Jesus. Though no one joins me, still I will follow. The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back.” I may not always be as gentle as a lamb, Dede, but I am following the one who is and will help me to become all that He is.

Today’s devotion is written by Karen Molvar