Come and See

As we enter into Ordinary Time of the Church Liturgical year, please keep in mind that any Sunday in Ordinary Time is no less important than the other liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

In fact, Sundays in Ordinary Time - are devoted to the mystery of Jesus in its fullness – for us to become more familiar with the Person of Christ and His way of living – and - on these Sundays in Ordinary Time - we focus more on various aspects of our faith, especially the mission of the church, our mission in the world… as individuals and as a community.

That is why - as we begin this season of the year, the Church takes us to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry… For the next two weeks we have various accounts of the calling of his closest disciples… to “come and see” and Jesus is extending the same invitation to each one of us….

Before I continue on our reflection on the Gospel, just side liturgical notes:

As we heard in the Gospel, John said: “Behold, the Lamb of God” – pointing to Jesus - the same words we hear the priest say as he raises the Eucharist…before Holy Communion -  so we are actually invited to gaze upon the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…

“Behold” means – to look - but I notice people looking down instead of gazing at the Eucharist at that point.

So, I invite you to look with a loving gaze instead of bowing down and imagine Jesus calling you by your name and inviting you to enter into communion with Him… Emmanuel… God with us… either actually receiving Communion or at least Spiritual Communion.

After receiving Communion and partaking of the Body of Christ, as you walk back to your pew – focus on Jesus – NOT up there somewhere – but Jesus being IN you – and enjoy the company… so to speak… and when you get back to your pew - talk to Jesus and listen to what He’s telling you.

To those who do not and cannot receive communion because of certain personal reasons - please take this as an invitation to let us help you get over whatever obstacles you might have that prevent you from receiving Holy Communion  - the Eucharist - the source and summit of Christian life… So – we invite you – let us help you – and come and see and taste the goodness of the Lord.

That is the end of my liturgical notes:

“Come and See” – on that note - Let me continue our reflection with a story:

A young man, a spiritual seeker, once journeyed into the desert to visit an elderly monk. He found the monk sitting by the entrance to his hermitage with his dog sprawled out lazily nearby. 

The young man asked the monk a question, “Why is it, Abba, that some who seek God come to the desert and are zealous in prayer but they leave after a year or so, while others, like you, remain faithful to the quest for a lifetime?” 

The old man smiled and replied, “Let me tell you a story: “One day I was sitting here quietly in the sun with my dog.

Suddenly a large rabbit ran across in front of us.  Well, my dog jumped up, barking loudly, and took off after the rabbit.  He chased the rabbit over the hills with a passion.  Soon, other dogs joined him, attracted by his barking. 

What a sight it was, as the pack of dogs ran barking across stony embankments and through thickets and thorns! Gradually, however, one by one, the other dogs dropped out of the pursuit, discouraged by the harsh terrain and frustrated by the chase. Only my dog continued to pursue the rabbit. 

In that story, young man, is the answer to your question.” 

The young man sat in confused silence. Finally, he said, “Abba, I don’t understand. What is the connection between the rabbit chase and the quest for holiness?” 

“You fail to understand,” answered the old hermit, “because you have not asked the obvious question which is: ‘Why DIDN’T the other dogs continue on the chase?’ 

And the answer to that question is, ‘They had not seen the rabbit.’”

- meaning – the other dogs joined only because they were attracted only by the barking and the running.  By way of analogy, Jesus is the rabbit.

Meaning - My brothers and sisters - with all due respect – Are you Catholic Christians because you are just attracted by the rites and rituals and ceremonies – because you like the Catholic traditions?  Unfortunately – there are people who have religious practices and they are good at it.  They have relationship with religion but NO personal relationship with Jesus, the Risen Christ… but just going through the motions because it is a Catholic thing to do …

So – the question is - How real is the living Jesus Christ in your life?  

The late Pope Benedict XVI said – I quote, “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” - Unquote.  In other words, the Christian life is about meeting a person – Jesus - rather than just finding answers to theological questions… not just an intellectual pursuit.

God is not a mystery to be solved or concept to be understood, but God is a presence to experience… experiential knowledge of the loving merciful God.

Andrew and his companion had met Jesus, and they spent the remainder of the day with him.  Jesus asked the two disciples one of the most fundamental questions of life and Jesus is also asking each one of us: “What are you looking for in life?”  In other words: “What is the goal of your life?  What kind of person do you want to become? What do you truly desire? Please continue to reflect on these questions even after Mass.

What greater desire is there than to be with the Lord, than to stay with the Lord, than to know and do the will of God.

 In the Gospel reading, the two disciples saw “where Jesus was staying” – which does not mean just His physical place, but more profoundly where Jesus is – at what state of being – His way of living, His way of acting, His way of loving, His way of hoping.

Jesus is addressing each of us today in as personal a way as he addressed the two disciples.

Admittedly - To follow Christ or to be a disciple of Christ is something we know as not easy.  Even the apostles found it difficult to understand the mystery of Christ – they found it difficult to understand the ministry to which the Lord was calling them and that was why, at the beginning they followed Jesus – we can say “half-heartedly”. 

We are like that – we begin to follow Jesus – but when we see or experience difficulties in following him, when we find it difficult to understand and embrace and live by His teachings – Yes - we may continue to follow him - but without much devotion…just half-heartedly… just going through the motion.

But do not give up – the good news is - you see – as the apostles continued to live with Jesus, they began to know him better and they followed him with more devotion.   Like the apostles - as we continue to live our lives in Christ; as our relationship with Christ grows deeper, as our knowledge of Christ grows more and more, we should begin to see our devotion to him grow also more and more, and, with the grace – that the Lord gives us, our spiritual life will continue to be strengthened.  And we then begin – as one popular song goes – to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, follow Him more nearly – day by day.

So let us persevere in our faith....  although at times not knowing where God is going to take us – let us continue to trust and follow Jesus the best we can … every day, not only on Sundays …  

Having met Jesus, the first thing that Andrew wants to do is to share this experience with his brother Simon Peter.  When we discover something very important and valuable – it is just but  - natural to want to share it with those closest to us – with those we love… The greatest gift we can give to the people we love – the greatest gift we can give as inheritance to our children – is our faith - Life in Christ… But – you cannot give what you do not have.

So, the question is - do you have life in Christ?  Do you have Jesus in your life? Not only on Sundays.

At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus said: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” It is in the here and now.

What then is your response to Jesus’ invitation: “Come and See!”?

God bless…

(2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time  -  Cycle B - January 14, 2024 - John 1:35-42)