Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” // John 1:43
Just imagine Jesus traveling to Galilee. He walks miles with one pressing intention: to find Philip.
As He approaches the region, His attention remains on one person alone: Philip. His eyes scan various groups of people looking for Philip in particular. His steps, though, continue forward one by one—it is Philip He longs to find.
Jesus turns a corner and there Philip stands, chatting with a group of people that surround him. As if he knew, Philip's gaze turns and focuses on Jesus. Their eyes meet. "Follow me," Jesus says as He gently extends His arms.
We know that Philip becomes an Apostle of Jesus. We know that after this encounter with Jesus, Philip finds Nathaniel and shares that Jesus has come.
But what, in your mind's eye, is Philip's immediate response as Jesus calls him? Does he hesitate and look around for approval? Does he run directly into Jesus' open arms? Is he excited? Nervous? Had he been eagerly waiting to be found?
Imagine Jesus comes to find you. Reread the paragraphs above, but put your name in place of Philip’s. Do you sense His presence but avoid it at all costs? Do you run into His open arms without a second thought? Do you hear those words echo within your own heart?
"Follow Me."
What is your response?
It's easy to read stories like Philip's and forget that Jesus speaks the same words to us today too.
Perhaps Jesus is calling you to frequent Mass more regularly—to be found in His presence and welcomed into His intimacy. Perhaps Jesus is calling you to start the Bible study you've been praying to find, but haven't yet. Perhaps Jesus is calling you to be still enough to see Him amidst the hustle and bustle of your day. Perhaps Jesus is calling you to follow Him more sincerely at work or at school, without hesitation. Where do you sense Him calling you? How will you respond to His invitation today?
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Coppell, Texas. She served with NET Ministries and went on to graduate with her J.D., though happily left all things law behind. Along with her roles as wife and mom, she now runs her own company, Pray. Train. Grow., as a Certified Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her mission is to help Catholic women grow STRONG in mind, body, and heart through the integration of Faith, fitness and food.
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