Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
The phrase “Come and you will see” that Jesus said to John’s disciples in today’s Gospel reading reminds me of discernment events and programs with religious congregations/orders, many of which are called “Come and See”. They are invitations to people to inquire and discern becoming a Religious Sister, Brother, or Priest. Looking at the bigger picture of our faith, today’s Gospel can help us reflect on how Jesus is inviting us to a deeper relationship with him.
We can imagine ourselves in the Gospel passage as one of John’s disciples who start following Jesus. When he asks you “What are you looking for?”, what is your response? When Jesus says to you “Come and you will see”, what will you find? How has the disciples’ journey to Jesus been similar to your own faith journey?
During Advent, we prepared ourselves to welcome Jesus into our lives. At Christmas, we invited Jesus to come into our hearts. Now that we are at the end of the Christmas season, Jesus reminds us that he will always invite us. As we also celebrate the start of the new year, let us be open and respond to God’s invitation to come and see.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI