1/4/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 1:35-42

35 The next day again John stood, and two of his disciples.
36 and as he watched Jesus walking, he said: Behold the Lamb of God.
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 And Jesus turning, and seeing them following him, 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 see. They came, and saw where he abode, 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 found first his brother Simon and said to him: We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And Jesus looking upon him, said: You are Simon the son of Jonah: you shall be called Cephas, which is interpreted as Peter.

1/4/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon John 1:35-42

We are invited into a pivotal moment where the first disciples of Jesus encounter the Savior. This passage beautifully illustrates how a simple invitation can transform lives forever.

John the Baptist, seeing Jesus pass by, declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Two of his disciples hear this and immediately follow Jesus. Their decision is spontaneous but profound. When Jesus notices them and asks, “What do you want?” they respond, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus’ reply, “Come, and you will see,” sets the tone for a journey of faith and discovery.

This invitation — “Come and see” — is both literal and spiritual. Jesus doesn’t overwhelm them with a theological discourse or a display of power. Instead, He invites them into a relationship. He welcomes their curiosity and gives them the space to experience Him personally.

What can we learn from this moment?

1. Faith begins with a longing.
The two disciples’ first act is to follow Jesus. Their simple step of obedience reveals their hunger for something greater. Similarly, our faith journey often begins with a sense of longing—a desire for purpose, peace, or connection. Jesus meets us in that longing and gently asks, “What do you want?” He calls us to articulate our need, not for His benefit but to prepare our hearts for His answer.

2. Jesus invites us into relationship, not religion.
When Jesus says, “Come and see,” He doesn’t just offer information about Himself; He offers Himself. Christianity is not about rules, rituals, or regulations; it’s about knowing Jesus personally. Just as the disciples spent time with Him, we are called to spend time in His presence through prayer, Scripture, and worship.

3. Transformation happens in encounter.
After spending time with Jesus, Andrew is so moved that he immediately finds his brother Simon and declares, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). This encounter leads to Simon’s introduction to Jesus, who gives him a new name: Cephas (Peter). In one moment, Simon’s identity and purpose are transformed.

When we encounter Jesus, we are never the same. He sees beyond who we are today and speaks into who we are meant to be. Like Peter, we may not fully understand our calling at first, but Jesus patiently works in us, shaping us into His vision.

4. Sharing Jesus is a natural response.
Andrew’s first instinct after meeting Jesus is to share the good news with someone he loves. This is the essence of discipleship. When we truly experience Jesus, we can’t help but invite others to “come and see.” Evangelism doesn’t have to be complex or intimidating; it begins with sharing our personal experience of Christ.

In this Gospel passage, we are reminded that following Jesus is an invitation, not an obligation. He calls us to come as we are, explore who He is, and bring others along the journey.

So, if you hear His voice today, don’t hesitate. Come and see. Your life will never be the same.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.