Come and see
“Come and see,” says Jesus to the two disciples of John who were curious about him. They came and saw their Savior and followed him. “Come and see.” With that, could we say the same to the people of today and show them that Christ is present in our midst? Would they find him among us? And do we ourselves recognize Christ passing among us?
Reading: 1 John 3:7-10
So, my dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah.
Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.
People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin.
Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test.
Gospel: John 1:35-42
The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching.
He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb."
The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus.
Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, "What are you after?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"
He replied, "Come along and see for yourself." They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus.
The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ").
He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock").
Prayer
Lord, our God,
your Son passes among us
as the saving Lamb,
and often, we are not aware of his presence.
Give us eyes of faith,
that we may see a glimpse of him
in the love and compassion of people around us,
in their encouragement and help,
in their concern for justice.
For in their goodness you show yourself
through your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.