Prior to today’s reading, John had witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus “like a dove” and had proclaimed “Now I have seen and testified that he is the son of God.” (John 1:34). John’s two disciples followed Him, curious to learn more about Jesus. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reaches out to His first disciples. John the Baptist is conversing with two of his disciples when Jesus passes by. John is moved to testify to who is in their midst with those familiar words: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Jesus then initiates a conversation with them by asking, “What are you looking for?” Jesus is testing their desire to be disciples, they must make the decision to follow Him. Are they looking for an easy life with worldly success and power? Or are they looking for God, who is total truth, love, and mercy? We know that both of these disciples chose to remain with Jesus. Andrew also decided he needed to bring his brother Simon to meet Jesus by telling him, “we have found the Messiah.” Jesus speaks first to Simon, revealing he is already aware of who he is and who he will become. Jesus then changes the name of Simon to “Cephas” (which is translated Peter and means “rock”). Again, we see the divinity of Jesus revealed. For in Judaism, only God can change your name. Names were considered sacred because they signified your identity and destiny, and only God could give that. Jesus, the Messiah, is designating that Peter will be the “rock” upon which the Church of Jesus will be built. We, too, will hear Christ’s call to discipleship if we open our hearts to hear His voice. We, too, are challenged with that strange but necessary question Jesus poses, “What are you looking for?” Will we choose to become a true disciple of Jesus despite knowing the hardships ahead? Are we ready to follow Him immediately when we hear the call and to remain with Him always no matter where the path takes us?