I am trying to imagine today’s gospel story (Jn. 1:35-42). It must have been a very memorable meeting. In fact, John the Evangelist marked the hour, “It was about four in the afternoon.” Jesus passed by and his cousin John the Baptist pointed him out to his two disciples, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. When Jesus noticed the two following him, he asked them “What are you looking for?” The two disciples were too excited to answer that question. They were walking with the messiah. Instead they asked, “Rabbi, where do you stay?” Jesus did not give them his address. Instead he invited them, “Come and see (Jn. 1:39).” And they stayed with him that day. That changed the course of their life.
Try to recall a first meeting with a person who made a positive difference in your life. This person fits the description of a most unforgettable character. He or she could be your teacher, neighbor, relative, boss, scout commander, or pastor. Or he could be a complete stranger. You may still be able to recall the details of that meeting after many years. This meeting somehow affected the direction of your life or awakened hidden potentials in you. In my own trip down memory lane, the persons that come to mind are persons “oozing with goodness”. To be in the presence of such people lift us out of the ordinary. We start believing we can be better, we can do more, we are important, we are good, we are loved.
If this can happen to us in the company of good people, how much more in the company of Jesus. Jesus invited the two disciples, “Come and see.” They experienced him first hand. They were able to talk, eat, and work with Him. In the presence of Jesus, they recognized their own importance, goodness, and nobility. Of course they also saw their own limitation and sinfulness and they experienced being accepted and loved in spite of their shortcomings.
How can we experience Jesus now? How can we respond to His invitation, “Come and see.”
Come and see. There are communities of committed disciples in your parish. Meet them. If you have a good singing voice, join the choir. Join a prayer group. Or join those visiting the sick and the aged. If you know your Catholic doctrine well enough, volunteer as a catechist or Sunday school teacher.
Come and see. There are retreat houses, shrines and places of prayer around you. Spend a few hours of reflection every month. Make a personal pilgrimage. Do it by yourself or with friends.
Come and see. Look for a spiritual guide. Ask around. Eventually, somebody will point out a good guide to you.
Come and see. Read the scriptures or a spiritually enriching book. You will meet Jesus through His Word.
Come and see. Go to confession. Come to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Be physically one with Jesus Christ. Receive Him in holy communion.
Do this, and eventually, when somebody asks what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, you will be able to say, “Come and see.”