The Gist of John 1:35-42
In the Gospel reading (John 1:35-42) for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, John the Baptist points out Jesus to two of his disciples, who then decide to follow Jesus. Upon seeing them, Jesus asks what they seek, and they respond by calling him “Rabbi” (which means teacher). Jesus invites them to come and see, and as a result, one of the disciples, Andrew, goes on to bring his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus, who later becomes a prominent disciple.
Disciples in the Digital Age
Let’s dive into the digital realm and explore how the story from John 1:35-42 can guide us in our online lives. In a world where we spend most of our time scrolling, liking, and sharing, let’s discover how Jesus invites us to be not just followers online but true disciples in the digital age.
Just like John’s disciples discovered Jesus, we have the incredible opportunity to discover the teachings of Jesus online. Our social media feeds are filled with various content, but let’s actively seek out positive and uplifting messages that align with Jesus’ teachings. Use your online presence to spread love, kindness, and encouragement. Remember, the digital world is a vast field ripe for discovery, so let’s be intentional about what we choose to follow and engage with.
When Jesus asked the disciples, “What do you seek?” it opened the door to a meaningful conversation. In the same way, our comments on social media can either contribute to negativity or be a source of encouragement. Let’s engage in conversations that reflect our faith positively. Instead of arguing, let’s strive to be peacemakers and use our words to share the love of Christ. Imagine if our comment sections became places of support, inspiration, and genuine connection.
Share the Good News Online
Andrew didn’t keep the news of Jesus to himself; he went and brought his brother Peter to meet Jesus. In our online lives, let’s be like Andrew by sharing the good news of Jesus. Use your platforms to invite friends to explore faith, share inspiring stories, and showcase the joy that comes from a life following Christ. Your online presence can be a powerful tool to bring others into a community of love and acceptance.
Our digital discipleship journey is not just about being online but about using our online presence to reflect the light of Jesus. As we follow, like, and share in the digital world, let’s do so with purpose and love. Remember, the same Jesus who called the disciples is calling us to be his followers in the online spaces we inhabit. So, let’s go out and make a positive impact, one post, comment, and share at a time.
Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.
St. Catherine of Siena
Reflective Questions for Spiritual Growth
- How can you actively seek out and follow positive, uplifting content in your online spaces, aligning it with the teachings of Jesus? Consider the impact your digital consumption has on your thoughts and emotions.
- In the same way Jesus asked the disciples, “What do you seek?” take some time to reflect on your own motivations and intentions in your online interactions. Are you seeking connection, inspiration, or growth? How can your online presence reflect the values of your faith?
- Think about someone in your life who may not know about Jesus or is in need of encouragement. Like Andrew, consider how you can use your online platform to invite them into conversations about faith or share uplifting messages. What practical steps can you take to be a positive influence and share the love of Christ online?
A Story to Deepen Insight
There was once a curious little boy named Alex. His teacher, Mrs. Turner, handed him a small candle and asked him to climb the lighthouse to guide passing ships.
Puzzled, Alex doubted the tiny flame could make a difference. As they reached the lighthouse’s summit, Mrs. Turner used the candle to light a massive lantern, illuminating the night sky with a warm glow.
In the hands of a good teacher, even the smallest guidance can light up immense possibilities and illuminate the hearts of those who listened. In today’s Gospel passage, the disciples experienced firsthand that even the simplest guidance from Jesus could spark profound transformations and light the path to a more compassionate and understanding world.