Today Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of John (1: 35-42) in which two disciples who heard John the Baptist call Jesus ‘the Lamb of God’, get up and follow Jesus.

Fr Paul says this story of the call of the first disciples takes place in the Jordan valley, where John was baptising. The first two to be called are disciples of John the Baptist, so they had originally joined his group of those waiting for the Messiah. They were ready when John the Baptist pointed him out. It is striking that Jesus first calls them to be with him, and first of all they remain with him for a time.

First in our call to follow Christ comes prayer and getting to know Christ, before we can actively work for Christ and bring others to share his joy. Only after this time with Jesus do they sprint off in their enthusiasm and bring others to join in the benefits they have received from the tranquillity of keeping company with Jesus.

Today, Fr Paul invites us to reflect, ‘Do I spend time with Jesus?’