Focus on Following Jesus

Summary

In this reflection, Bobby Angel discusses the importance of focusing on our own spiritual journey rather than becoming preoccupied with others' flaws or failures. Drawing from John 21, where Jesus tells Peter, 'What concern is it of yours? You follow me,' Angel encourages Christians to examine their own hearts and strive for holiness. He emphasizes that while we are called to hold each other accountable, our primary task is to transform ourselves through prayer and God's grace, not to judge or criticize others. True Christian discipleship involves self-reflection, mercy, and loving others with humility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jesus calls Peter to follow Him, even hinting at a possible martyrdom, but Peter's focus shifts to John. Jesus responds, 'What concern is it of yours? You follow me.'
• 😀 The message of the Gospel emphasizes the danger of comparison. Instead of looking at others, we should focus on our own spiritual journey and growth.
• 😀 The phrase 'run your own race' captures the essence of not being preoccupied with others’ actions or progress in their faith or life.
• 😀 While we are called to hold each other accountable in the Christian community, we must resist the temptation to focus on the faults of others.
• 😀 Jesus' words to Peter point to the importance of self-reflection and avoiding judgment of others—'What concern is it of yours?'
• 😀 Social media and the internet have amplified the habit of blaming, gossiping, and criticizing others, which detracts from our spiritual formation.
• 😀 We must be careful not to define others by their failures or assume the worst in them. Instead, we are called to assume the best and encourage transformation.
• 😀 The Christian journey involves working on our own personal holiness and striving for self-transformation before trying to correct others.
• 😀 Saint Maximilian the Confessor reminds us that before judging others, we must first examine ourselves and our own sins.
• 😀 Dorothy Day’s wisdom: 'The only thing we can do about people is to love them.' Our focus should be on working on ourselves and extending love to others, not blaming them.
• 😀 As Christians, we must offer grace, mercy, and forgiveness rather than falling into the temptation of cancel culture or judgment of others.
• 😀 Discipleship is about surrendering every part of our life to Christ, letting go of distractions, and embracing His transformation in our hearts.

Q & A

What is the main message that Bobby Angel is sharing in this reflection?

The main message is a call for personal responsibility in the Christian journey. Bobby Angel emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's own spiritual growth rather than judging others, following Jesus' call to 'You follow me' from John 21.

How does the Gospel of John (John 21) relate to the central theme of this reflection?

In John 21, Peter asks Jesus about the fate of John the Beloved, and Jesus responds, 'What concern is it of yours? You follow me.' Bobby Angel uses this to highlight how Christians should avoid getting preoccupied with others' lives or actions and focus on their own faith journey.

What analogy does Bobby Angel use to explain the message of focusing on one's own race?

Bobby Angel uses the analogy of athletes, saying it's like running your own race in track or swimming. He stresses not to worry about what others are doing in the lanes next to you but to focus on your own performance and spiritual path.

What does Bobby Angel say about cancel culture and how Christians should respond to it?

Bobby Angel warns against participating in cancel culture, which often involves zero grace or mercy. He encourages Christians to offer forgiveness, show grace, and avoid harsh judgment, as they are called to be above such behavior.

Why does Bobby Angel highlight the concept of 'self-examination' in this reflection?

Self-examination is highlighted as essential for spiritual growth. Bobby Angel references St. Maximimus the Confessor, who states that those who focus too much on others' sins haven't truly begun the process of repentance and self-reflection.

What does Bobby Angel mean by saying, 'You follow me' in the context of Christian discipleship?

'You follow me' is Jesus' invitation to personal discipleship, which involves not just following Jesus' teachings but also being transformed by Him. It calls for total surrender and focus on personal holiness rather than comparing oneself to others.

How does Bobby Angel describe the temptation to judge others, especially in today’s culture?

Bobby Angel acknowledges that it's easy to fall into the temptation of judging and blaming others, especially in the age of social media and online discourse, where it's easy to highlight others' failures. He stresses the need to resist this temptation and focus on one's own spiritual state.

What role does mercy play in Bobby Angel’s view of Christian life?

Mercy is central to the Christian life, according to Bobby Angel. He emphasizes that Christians should pray for the mercy of God for themselves and others, especially for those they disagree with or perceive as evil, understanding that only God can judge others fully.

What does Bobby Angel suggest is the right approach to critique bad ideas or behavior?

Bobby Angel suggests that Christians should indeed critique bad ideas and behavior, but this must be done with love, charity, and a focus on helping others grow in grace, rather than condemning them without mercy.

How does Dorothy Day’s quote contribute to the message of the reflection?

Dorothy Day’s quote, 'The older I get...the more convinced I am that we must only work on ourselves to grow in grace,' reinforces the idea that Christians should focus on their own spiritual development and extend love and mercy to others, rather than obsessing over others' faults.