In the Gospel of John 1:36-39, after John the Baptist showed Jesus to his disciples, the two followed Jesus immediately. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” The two replied, “Sir, where do you stay?” Jesus replied, “Come and See.” We are told that they followed him to where he was staying and stayed with him the rest of the day. These two eventually became disciples of Jesus and even appointed apostles.
Jesus had four main groups of followers. The first group was the crowd who followed Jesus on daily basis but did not take him so much seriously. When they got want they needed they would praise him but the following day they would be swayed by critics of Jesus and turn against him. Many times they wanted even to stone him.
The second group are the critics who complished mainly of the Pharisees and the Scribes. These faulted Jesus not because he did anything wrong but simple because he refuse to be like them or follow their ways. These are the ones who plotted for his execution. The third group were those called disciples who followed Jesus and learned from him the ways of the kingdom of God. These are the ones who because the first Church. Finally the fourth group were the Twelve that Jesus appointed from among his disciples so that he could train them closely. These are the Twelve Apostles who became the first bishops of the Church.
Today, the four groups continue to exist. Those appointed from among the disciples of Jesus to be apostles have to undergo thorough scrutiny to ascertain their intention and preparedness. They begin with the program that borrows a lot from the passage of John 1:36-39. The Church continues to propagate the mission of Christ of building the Kingdom of God here on eath through the work of men and women who dedicate their lives to the serves of the Gospel.
Last week, the SVD Vocations Director for Arusha disctrict Fr. Antony Muchui, SVD organized a “Come and See” program for young men from Tanzania who would like to join the Congregation and start formation to priesthood and brotherhood. The program took place at Holy Trinity Parish Elect in Arusha. Some confreres gave inputs about the spirituality and the mission of the society. After the program the young men went home to reflect and make an informed decision whether to join the Society or not.
We congratulate the formation the Vocations Director for this important program that is requisite for the posterity of the Congregation and the mission of Divine Word Missionaries. We pray for the young men who participated so that they may make good decisions.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
JAMBO KENTAN 
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