Fr. Marcel’s Bulletin Message for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Year, January, 18, 2009
Dearest beloved, as we return to Ordinary Time of the year, John the Baptist in today’s Gospel from John 1: 35-42 calls our attention to the presence of Jesus, the Lord of life. Seeing Jesus walked by, John says, “Behold the Lamb of God.” John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus announced his presence. He was, as it were, saying to us, “Here comes the Lamb of God.” “Here comes the one you are looking for”, “He is here.” As soon as John the Baptist said that, two of his disciples who heard him left him and followed Jesus. Even though Jesus asked them what seems to be an embarrassing question “What are you looking for?” He did not fail to offer them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and See.”
But the question of Jesus “What are you looking for?” should not be understood literally. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost, wandering in a desolate and lonely road. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost in the wilderness. Jesus found him wandering about and asked “What are you looking for?” “What are you doing in this lonely road?” As someone really lost, looking for shelter, looking for water, looking for food, looking for security, the two disciples of John asked “Rabi, where are you staying?” As one full of mercy and compassion, Jesus did not insist they answer his question; he rather invited them “Come and see.” If you think you are lost, the Lord will find you. If you know someone who is lost, the Lord will find him or her.
Brethren, the Lamb of God is here. He is present in the Word of God. He is present in the Eucharist. He is present in each of us. He is not excluded from us; he is not far away from us. He is already with us.
“What are you looking for ?” Jesus asked. For most lovers, it is difficult to tell their beloved what exactly they are looking for from them. The disciples of John did not answer that question, and Jesus himself did not probe further and insist they answer the answer the question. Rather, he offered them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and see.”
Are you hungry and thirsty? The Lord says to you, “Come and see.” Are you sick? He says to you as well “Come and see”. Are you depressed and frustrated? “Come and see.” Is all you see darkness and failure? “Come and see” Whatever your life situation may be, the invitation of Jesus to you today is “Come and see.” As it is said in Latin Veni, vidi, vici meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” With Jesus by your side, you will come, see, and conquer all your troubles.
May Mother Mary pray for us!
May St. Alfonsus Ligouri intercede for us!
But the question of Jesus “What are you looking for?” should not be understood literally. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost, wandering in a desolate and lonely road. It is a question addressed to someone who is lost in the wilderness. Jesus found him wandering about and asked “What are you looking for?” “What are you doing in this lonely road?” As someone really lost, looking for shelter, looking for water, looking for food, looking for security, the two disciples of John asked “Rabi, where are you staying?” As one full of mercy and compassion, Jesus did not insist they answer his question; he rather invited them “Come and see.” If you think you are lost, the Lord will find you. If you know someone who is lost, the Lord will find him or her.
Brethren, the Lamb of God is here. He is present in the Word of God. He is present in the Eucharist. He is present in each of us. He is not excluded from us; he is not far away from us. He is already with us.
“What are you looking for ?” Jesus asked. For most lovers, it is difficult to tell their beloved what exactly they are looking for from them. The disciples of John did not answer that question, and Jesus himself did not probe further and insist they answer the answer the question. Rather, he offered them an invitation of love and experience of love “Come and see.”
Are you hungry and thirsty? The Lord says to you, “Come and see.” Are you sick? He says to you as well “Come and see”. Are you depressed and frustrated? “Come and see.” Is all you see darkness and failure? “Come and see” Whatever your life situation may be, the invitation of Jesus to you today is “Come and see.” As it is said in Latin Veni, vidi, vici meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” With Jesus by your side, you will come, see, and conquer all your troubles.
May Mother Mary pray for us!
May St. Alfonsus Ligouri intercede for us!
No comments:
Post a Comment