Pope at Angelus: Rediscover the joy of Jesus' disciples

By Thaddeus Jones

In his customary reflections before leading the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis spoke about the encounter of the first disciples in meeting Jesus, as recounted in John's Gospel.

Being a disciple of the Lord involves seeking, being with, and sharing with others our joy in discovering Him, just as the first disciples did in discovering the Messiah.

Seeking the Lord

The two disciples in today's Gospel are asked by Jesus upon encountering Him what they are seeking, and this question invites them to look at what they carry in their hearts and what they truly desire, the Pope explained.

The Lord, he added, does not want superficial followers, but people "who question themselves and let themselves be challenged by His Word." 

Being with the Lord

In meeting and discovering the Messiah, God's anointed one, the Pope continued, the disciples ask the Lord where He lives, and they are invited by the Lord "to come and see."

Faith therefore involves an encounter with the Lord and our being with Him.

Telling others

The powerful experience of meeting Jesus leads the two disciples to share with others their joy and the gift of this experience, the Pope concluded.

One of the two disciples mentioned in today's Gospel, Andrew, hastens to tell his brother Simon, whom Jesus will call Peter.

Their encounter with Jesus was so powerful, said the Pope, that they remembered the time it took place for the rest of their lives: "It was around four in the afternoon."

Rediscovering our joy

The Pope suggested we remember our first encounter with the Lord and renew our own fervour by seeking Him anew through prayer and reflection that can lead us to sharing our joy with others.