In today’s Gospel Story (John 1:35-42) John points out Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God”. Two of John’s followers ask Jesus, “Where are you staying?” He responds, “Come and see”. As they begin to know him, they tell others of their experience, who also come to see who Jesus is. While the Story tells, albeit briefly, of their journey and experience, it also might give us insight into what happens on our journey if we choose to let it.
In any number of ways and at any time(s) in our life we might feel some sort of interest in Jesus that could bring us beyond what we are used to. We might sense that Jesus has something to offer us that is different and perhaps more substantial than what we have known thus far in our life. Then, perhaps, we might ask him our equivalent of, “Where are you staying?” If we choose to be ready, we will hear, “Come and see”. The next question is what we will do about it.
Coming to see where Jesus is staying is a personal choice that no one can make for us. It is a choice that challenges our preconceived ideas about Jesus as he asks us to let him into our life on a very personal and profound level, and in very practical ways. In the Story Jesus gives Simon a new name which shows he is becoming a changed man. In any number of ways this is what happens to us: we begin a journey with Jesus that changes us in ways we could never have imagined. There are popular misconceptions that following Jesus is only for “holy people”, that following Jesus means a life that is dull, uninteresting, and without any fun, but Jesus asks every single one of us for permission to enter our life on an everyday basis. Anyone who has chosen to follow him knows that the journey is exciting and challenging well beyond anything we would have expected. We find ourselves led into situations and relationships we would not have chosen, and yet which are fulfilling and liberating, for lack of better words. Our life and all who are in it take on a new depth and richness as our focus shifts from our own comfort and convenience to amazement and cooperation with out newfound experience of ever-present grace. We consent to Jesus leading us without demanding to know where or how. We just go step by step.
Our journey with Jesus is not all fun and games. There is an element of fear and confusion as our accustomed standards and values are shaken. Life does not get any easier. We come to face our faults and shortcomings, our own personal contributions to the pain and suffering in the world, and begin to know Jesus accepting and loving us in very real and practical ways. There is nothing comfortable about the journey. It is hard work and a constant effort, not always successful, to do battle with our desire to go back to our old ways of comfort and security. Yet in very practical ways we come to know Jesus with us, and this gives us the trust and hope to move ahead in whatever situation we find ourselves, knowing that grace is real, powerful, and unpredictable.
The Opening Prayer tells us what we are beginning to know every day: “Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and order all things in such power that even the tensions and tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans”. This becomes the story of our life as we reflect on grace, consent to grace, and go our best to cooperate with grace. We might even to able to say, “We have found the Messiah”.
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