II SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - John 1:35-42
This Sunday’s gospel presents us with three extraordinary scenes. In the first one, while John was with two of his disciples, Jesus passed nearby and John pointed out Jesus to them, making a profession of faith about his role: He is “the lamb of God”, that is He is the true sacrifice, a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, the sacrifice that set us free, a peace offering. Jesus offered himself in sacrifice and he is the holy, pure and true sacrifice that is pleasing to God. The statement of John is considered so important that the Church repeats it in the liturgy of the Church, just before the holy communion. Hearing John’s statement, we should look as well to his attitude: not caring about himself, he affirms Jesus before his disciples, thus leading them to Him. John knew his own role and accepted it. He did not overstep his mission; instead, he humbled himself before Jesus, recognising him as the Messiah, the one who was anointed with the Spirit. Nowadays, we can find many preachers who attract all attention to themselves, as if Jesus was only a side figure pointing out to them. Like John, we must accept that the role of all prophets and all preachers is to lead others to Jesus.
In the second scene, we see the two disciples leaving John behind and going after Jesus. Jesus, noticing that, look behind and ask them: “What are you looking for (or What are you seeking)”? This is an important question, one which may be made time and again and which we try to answer, even if we don’t have an answer that satisfies us. What are we looking for? Some look for power and wealth, while others seek pleasure at all costs. What are we looking for? We are looking for peace, freedom, justice and love. And what is the way to find that well-being? The question goes on resonating in our minds and in our hearts and it demands an answer.
The two disciples appear to be confused with the question and their answer sounds like an answer to avoid a real answer to the question. They answered with another question: Where are you staying? Where do you live? The real purpose of the question was to tell Jesus that they wanted to know him and to make friends with him. And Jesus gave a quick and short answer: “Come and see.” This invitation can still be heard today. Jesus goes on inviting us: “Come and see.” If we want to know Jesus, we must come close to him and we must experience his friendship. This personal relationship with Jesus is essential for us to find in Him the way, the truth and the life. And it is the duty of the Church - that is the community of Jesus’ disciples - to facilitate this encounter with Jesus and the ensuing relationship.
In the third scene, we find Andrew rushing to his brother Simon to tell him about the encounter which had modified his life. He could not keep it a secret, but he was impelled to share his experience of Jesus with a close relative, not only informing him but taking him to Jesus. If Jesus has become the centre of our lives, the source of our peace and our joy, then we cannot keep it a secret but we must share it with our relatives and our friends.
We need many Andrews always ready to give witness to Jesus Christ. We must start an evangelização person to person, friend to friend, relative to relative. Then we will establish a community of faith, a network of personal relationships which has Christ as its hub.
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