January 18, 2009 Second Ordinary Sunday of the Year 1 Sam. 3:3-10, 19; 1 Cor. 6:13-15, 17-20; Jn. 1:35-42 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings: http://www.catholicdoors.com/homilies/2009/090118.htm         ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     When two of John’s disciples began to seek Jesus out, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company. He asked them one of the most fundamental questions of life: “What are you looking for?” What were they looking for in Jesus and what were they aiming to get out of life? Jesus asks us the same question: “What’s the goal of your life?  What are you aiming for and trying to get out of life?”   Jesus invites each of us to "COME AND SEE" for ourselves that his word is true and everlasting. "Come and see" is God's invitation for fellowship and communion with the One who made us in love for love. It is God who initiates and who draws us to himself. Without his grace, mercy, and help we could not find him.   When we discover something very important and valuable it's natural to want to share it with those closest to us. Andrew immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good news of his discovery of Jesus. And it didn't take much to get Simon to "come and see" who this Jesus was. Jesus reached out to Simon in the same way he did to Andrew earlier. He not only addressed Simon by his personal name, but he gave him a new name which signified the call God had for him. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was -- the Anointed One and the only begotten Son of God. The New Testament describes the church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (1 Pet. 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith to know Jesus personally, power to live the gospel faithfully, and courage to witness to others the joy and truth of the gospel. The Lord Jesus is ever ready to draw us near to himself.  Do you seek to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ?   A simple invitation can be life-changing. Come and see... That invitation can come in different ways, from a letter or a look to a simple act of unselfish love. Come and see... When we invite others to faith, we ask them to encounter the One after whom we pattern our lives. He will show us the loving way to live and he will give us a new identity as a Christian. He will show us the way to the Father. Come and see...   How have you influenced others to become Christ-like? Have you ever asked them to join you at Church?   <<   Previous: Baptism of the Lord  | Next: Third Ordinary Sunday of the Year >>   Go Back to SERMONS (Year B)