ACC ~ John 1 v37

THE VOICE SENDS DISCIPLES TO THE WORD

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: Because the disciples of John heard him when he spoke about our Lord, they left their teacher and went after our Lord, because [John’s] voice was not able to keep the disciples with him [John], but it sent them to the Word. It was indeed right that when the light of the sun came into view, the light of the lamp should vanish. [1] Truly for this reason John remained, that his baptism would be brought to an end by the baptism of our Lord. Soon he died, so that he might be foremost among the dead, just as he was a sign of Sheol in his mother’s womb. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 4.17. [2]

[1] See Jn 5:35.

[2] CB709 add:34.

FOLLOWING THE LORD BY IMITATION

BEDE: From [John’s] disciples [Jesus] summoned two to follow him, and one of them, Andrew, led his brother Peter to him also. According to the spiritual sense, it is clear what it means to follow the Lord…. You follow the Lord if you imitate him. You follow the Lord if, insofar as human weakness allows, you do not abandon those examples of humility that, as a human being, the Son of God demonstrated. You follow [the Lord] if, by showing yourself to be a companion of his sufferings, you painstakingly long to attain communion in his resurrection and ascension. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.17. [1]

[1] CS 110:167.