εὐαγγελίζω (euaggelizo)
“to announce the Good News of victory in battle”
“to announce the Good News of victory in battle”
“They said to him, "Rabbi" — which translated means Teacher —,
“where are you staying? (μένεις - meneis)”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying (μένεις - meneis),
and they stayed (ἔμειναν - emeinan) 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...”
“where are you staying? (μένεις - meneis)”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying (μένεις - meneis),
and they stayed (ἔμειναν - emeinan) 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...”
John 1:38-40
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
θεωρέω (theoreo)
(“to perceive, discover, ponder a deeper meaning”)
(“to perceive, discover, ponder a deeper meaning”)
While the Sacred Text is silent as to Jesus’ destination or purpose, He went for a walk - a walk which elicited a declaration from John the Baptist as He [Jesus] passed by: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” This was the second time John made that declaration, having done it the previous day. (John 1:29). Within the context of the biblical Jewish worldview, hearers would have known instantly “Lamb of God” as the sacrificial offering, especially at Passover as well as embodied in the Suffering Servant (particularly the Fourth Song Isaiah 52:13-53:12), brings reconciliation and restoration of Israel’s relationship with God. However, the “Lamb of God” is no longer an animal slaughtered for Passover or offered at the Temple, but a Person Who, as God, is “The Word” (John 1:1) and Who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us...” (John 1:14). The Baptist’s declaration resulted in two of his disciples “following” or ‘going after’ Jesus, prompting Jesus to ask them, “What (Who) are you looking for?” The disciple’ response, “where are You staying (μένεις - meneis),” opens a door to a deep journey of being a disciple of Jesus.
The Greek verb μένω ménō is one with a very rich meaning. Translated in the New American Bible Revised Edition as staying, μένω ménō also conveys the sense of ‘abiding,’ ‘accompanying’ or ‘dwelling’ to name only a few. Within the context of the Johannine Gospel, μένω ménō is employed in those passages that capture Jesus’ Self-description of His relationship with God the Father. For Jesus, μένω ménō is about existing in a realm or area that provides for all life’s necessities - physical and spiritual - with a clear emphasis on being united to God the Father made possible through Jesus’ Self-emptying, Self-surrendering sacrifice in obedience to His Father.
As the Church has entered Ordinary Time, She wisely places the call of the disciples in the early days of this Liturgical Season. The orderly, sequential time through the year that ponders the life of Jesus intends to invite us into the mystery of His life. The disciple is one who responds to Jesus’ graced-initiated invitation to abide eternally with Him.
As the Church has entered Ordinary Time, She wisely places the call of the disciples in the early days of this Liturgical Season. The orderly, sequential time through the year that ponders the life of Jesus intends to invite us into the mystery of His life. The disciple is one who responds to Jesus’ graced-initiated invitation to abide eternally with Him.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
