“Come After Me” by Beth DeCristofaro
As it is written, How beautiful are the feet
of those who bring the good news!
But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly, they did; for “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth and their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:15-18)
But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly, they did; for “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth and their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:15-18)
He said to them, "Come after me, and I
will make you fishers of men." At once (Simon, who is called Peter, and
his brother Andrew) left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20)
Piety
God of power and mystery, your disciple
Andrew faithfully followed your call.
Make us true disciples as we prayer: Strengthen us for your service,
Lord.
Awaken us to the spiritual longing and the
physical needs of those around us: Strengthen us for your service, Lord.
May God bless us with generous hearts that we
may give what we receive in Christ’s name.
Amen
(From “Morning Prayer,” Give Us This Day,
Liturgical Press)
Study
How often I’ve said that I wished God would leave
me a sticky note posted on my bedside table to let me know what to do in a
particular situation or in a particularly difficult time. Of course, Jesus does tell us. He says, “follow me.” Jesus, not knowing the specifics of modern
temptation and hazards did not give us specific directions on many
things. But his world knew human
trafficking (Joseph), abuse of political and religious power (Roman oppression
and the leaders of the temple), intimidation of immigrants (the Chosen People), the marginalization of poor and blaming the poor for their situation (the beggar at
Lazarus’ gates and many lepers), greedy accumulation of wealth (the man with
many grain buildings), racial inequality (gentile tribes). And many more “modern”
situations.
Jesus’ invitation to Andrew and Simon was
complicatedly simple: Come after me. He didn’t say where he didn’t say for how
long and the destination was obscure: I
will make you fishers of men. As
they grew to know and begin to understand that Jesus was more than Nazorean,
more than even Jewish, did Isaiah’s words echo in their thoughts? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring
the good news! Somehow, I think not.
This pathway was not an easy promenade. It might be a good phrase for me
to keep in mind when I’m rustling through the pile of books on my bedside table,
looking for a sticky note. I might
better be served sitting in silence, following, listening, hearing the good
news of Jesus, and employing my beautiful feet in bringing the good news
through my piety, study, and action.
Action
Perhaps the cliché “What would Jesus do”
needs an update for us to have heard comes through the word of Christ. Maybe
we need to ask, “What would Andrew do?”
“What would Mary Magdalen do?”
“What would Paul do?” We can
spend more time listening to Jesus’ talk with them, talk with us than look for
pre-printed rules and regulations which can get in the way of seeing people
beloved by Jesus right in front of us.
Afterall “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their
words to the ends of the world.”
Their voice, Jesus’ voice, speaks to us.
Listening is the first part of our journey of following him. Employing our feet, our hands, and our voice
comes after.
Illustration:
A 3rd-century painting of the Good Shepherd in the Catacomb of Callixtus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_symbolism
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