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Thursday, January 4, 2001

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (USA)


1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98
John 1:35-42

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staying power

"Where do You stay?" —John 1:38

John's two disciples were following Jesus, but at a distance. This is often the way Christians follow Jesus. We try to do God's will for the most part, but intentionally keep Jesus more than "arm's length" away. We don't let Him get close to us. However, Jesus will turn around and challenge us by asking: "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38) If we truthfully answer Jesus' question, we may have to say that we're looking for blessings, security, or peace of mind, although we should say we're looking for a deep, personal relationship with Him.

John's two disciples may have surprised themselves when they answered Jesus' question with a question: " 'Rabbi (which means Teacher), where do You stay?' 'Come and see,' He answered. So they went to see where He was lodged, and stayed with Him that day" (Jn 1:38-39). Jesus wants His disciples to stay with Him, to have a relationship with Him that is deeply personal and totally consuming. He wants us to stay with Him when we leave church, go to work, talk with non-Christians, eat, watch TV, play, and go to bed. If we don't accept Jesus as Lord of all, He's not Lord at all. If we don't stay with Him, we haven't truly followed Him.

Prayer:  Father, beginning this Christmas season, may I stay with Jesus at the times when I previously left Him.

Promise:  "It was to destroy the devil's works that the Son of God revealed Himself." —1 Jn 3:8

Praise:  St. Elizabeth followed her Lord across religious denominations, across the Atlantic, wherever He led.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, July 15, 2000


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 17, 2000