A reading from the gospel according to John 1:35-42
35 John was standing with two of his disciples,
36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”
37 The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
38 Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ.
42 Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.
Reflection:
The gospel passage above invites us to a personal encounter with Christ and also encourages us to share our experiences with others. It begins with John the Baptist and his two disciples. When John sees Jesus, he declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” This proclamation sparks curiosity in his disciples. Curiosity, often overlooked, is a powerful catalyst in our spiritual journey. It prompts us to ask questions, seek answers, and pursue truth. Perhaps these disciples had been with John, learning and growing in their faith. Yet, when presented with the notion of the “Lamb of God”, their interest is piqued. They were compelled to explore this new path. So, they went to follow Jesus. In our lives, similar moments of curiosity can lead us to profound discoveries about God and His plan for us.
When Jesus noticed those disciples, He asked, “What do you want?” Instead of requesting miracles or signs, the disciples ask, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” This question symbolizes a deeper thirst for understanding and connection. Jesus’ response, “Come, and you will see,” is an open invitation to a personal experience.
This interaction is a beautiful metaphor for our spiritual quest. Jesus doesn’t bombard us with facts or commandments at first encounter; instead, He invites us to experience His presence in our lives. It’s an invitation to an ongoing relationship, not a one-time event. When we accept this invitation, we embark on a transformative journey that shapes our understanding of ourselves and our purpose.
The next part of the passage showcases the power of personal testimony. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, is one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought Simon to Jesus, who then named him Peter.
Andrew’s actions exemplify the natural human response to a life-changing discovery: the urge to share it with others. His personal testimony – simple, direct, and born out of genuine experience – has the power to influence and transform. Through this example, we see how our personal encounters with Christ compel us to spread the good news, not through coercion or argument, but through sharing our own experiences and transformations.
In a world where answers are often a click away, we might overlook the importance of curiosity in our spiritual lives. Let us be like the disciples, allowing our curiosity to lead us to Jesus. Ask questions, seek deeper understanding, and be open to new revelations in your faith journey.
Remember that Christianity is not just about doctrines; it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus. He invites us to “come and see,” to spend time with Him, learn from Him, and experience His love and grace firsthand. Make time for prayer, meditation, and reading the scriptures to cultivate this relationship.
Let us also bear in mind that our personal testimony is a powerful tool in spreading the gospel. Our story could be the catalyst that leads someone else to explore their own relationship with Christ. So let us go and share our experiences of faith, hope, and transformation to others. Just like Andrew, we are called to be bridges that connect others to Christ. In doing so, we continue the work that these first disciples started, spreading the light of Christ to a world in need of hope and love.
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What are you looking for? (verse 38). Jesus asked this question to Andrew and his companion. Then, He invited them to “come and see”.
The simple question and the subsequent invitation of Jesus is a fitting topic for reflection in the light of the new year. Many of us may still be at a crossroads and the future is unclear. Some of us may still be undergoing some kind of pain or crisis and do not know what to do. What are you looking for?
Every new year, some of us make resolutions or plans and promises to fulfill. Perhaps, we are too focused on our material or financial goals. If so, it would be an opportune time to really consider or reconsider the question of Jesus. What are we looking for?
In the gospel reading above, Andrew and his companion accepted the invitation of Jesus to “come and see”. They liked what they saw because they stayed with him for that day and the rest of the gospel tells us that Andrew went to tell his brother Simon about his experience. Simon too went to see Jesus and Jesus called him Cephas (Peter). This means there is something in Jesus that transforms those who encounter Him.
“Come and see.” This is the invitation of Jesus to all of us. We are all invited to include Him in our resolutions, in our plans and in our life. The gospel gives us hope and the guarantee that in Him, we will be seeing what we are looking for.