B: 2nd Sun of OrdTime (14 Jan 2018) - LEADING OTHERS TO JESUS - Jn 1:35-42

Our gospel today talks about the call of the first disciples of Jesus in the Johannine narrative. What is noteworthy in this account is that there is always the pronounced active role of an intermediary character in a calling. Andrew and his companion began to follow Jesus only when John the Baptist pointed it out to them that Jesus is the “Lamb of God” (Jn 1:36). A day after, Andrew likewise narrated to his brother Simon that they had seen the “Messiah” (Jn 1:41). He then led his brother to Jesus who followed him instantaneously after being named “Cephas” (Jn 1:42).

This theme is not new in the Gospel of John. Similarly, the call of Nathanael is facilitated by the invitation of Philip who told him that he found the one prophesied by the law and the prophets (Jn 1:45). Further, Jesus’ first miracle is arbitrated by the intervention of his mother when she told the servers on the wedding at Cana to “do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). Finally, the belief of the Samaritan villagers is facilitated by the testimony of the woman by the well of Sychar, saying: “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (Jn 4:29).

Appropriately, this motif is corroborated by our First Reading when we hear of Eli’s instructions to the young Samuel to open himself to the presence of the Lord: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:9). Additionally, Paul in our Second Reading is introducing the Holy Spirit to the Corinthians through the mediating role of our own physical bodies (1 Cor 6:19). Emphasized, henceforth, in today’s readings is the role of mediating persons to vocation relationships with Jesus.

Along this line, it is good to ask ourselves: Have we been doing our part to invite others to follow the ways of the Lord? On the contrary, at most times we may have been leading others away from the Lord. As baptized Christians, we are called by God to be evangelizers too. But have we taken this role seriously? Or are we too fixated on our own welfare to the point that we forget that others need salvation and God’s guidance too?

Take for example some lawmakers’ proposal to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution but with the ulterior motive of prolonging their political terms. Every government official’s mandate is to lead the people to their socio-economic welfare and promote the common good. However, desiring to be in office for at least 10 years is more self-serving than community-serving. They should be more like John the Baptist who pointed the best for Andrew and companion, even if it means losing two of his followers. Or, it is like Andrew’s disposition of calling his brother Simon to follow Jesus, even if it means losing the chances of being the leader of the Twelve. Or, it is like Eli’s intent to step back in forming Samuel (to whom God was already directly talking), even if it means Samuel would be somebody greater than him.

Leading others to Jesus… it is not an easy task, for it means losing our leverage, popularity, and even power. But who are we anyway to desire these things for ourselves? It is Jesus who should be the center of all evangelization in the first place. We should always be more than willing to take the backseat when needed.

- Rex Fortes, CM