Last time we read~
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?"
Today we hear the rest of that encounter~
They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see!" They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon.
The answer of John's disciples was that they wished to know where Jesus stayed. They called him Rabbi offering to Jesus a title of deep respect reflecting their desire to get to know him. What they meant was that they did not wish to speak to Jesus only on the road, in passing, as chance acquaintances might stop and exchange a few words. They wished to spend time with him, leaving superficial things behind.
Jesus's reply was: "Come and see!" The Jewish Rabbis had a way of using that phrase in their teaching. They would say: "Do you want to know the answer to this question? Do you want to know the solution to this problem? Come and see, and we will think about it together." When Jesus said: "Come and see!" he was inviting them, not only to come and talk, but to come and discover the depth of his heart and the wisdom of his soul.
Seeking and searching are such important movements on the spiritual path. Most of the time we search without really being aware of what is gnawing at us deep inside. We search for something called happiness. We long for the gift named peace. We search for meaning in our lives, for love, for understanding of ourselves and others. Beneath all this longing is the desire for someone or something that feels like home, a hoping that we will discover the One who loves and accepts us beyond our wildest dreams. God offers no hindrance or block to our seeking (we do that) always the answer to our searching is an enthusiastic - "Come and see!"
For your reflection:
Reread the scripture (John 1:35-39) imagining that you are one of the disciples being invited to "Come and see!" The scripture will help you with the details. It is about 4:00 in the afternoon, there are three of you walking together and you are all heading to Jesus' home.
What feelings come up for you?
What is it like to walk along the road - side by side with Jesus?
What do you talk about once you settle in with Jesus?
What is it that Jesus wants you to "Come and see!"?
When you finish your reflection offer a pray of gratitude to God.
