"Come...and you will see"

I find myself going back often to the passage in John's gospel (1: 35 - 42) where the first disciples met Jesus. Some responded immediately when John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. Others like Peter were introduced by his brother Andrew while others (Philip) were called by Jesus himself. I used this passage for a group lectio with a worship ministry group a couple of days ago.

Recently whenever I go back to this passage, the theme of accompanying or following the Lord emerges and deepens. I 'heard' "Come...and you will see" addressed to me the other day. It is another invitation from the Lord to spend time with him, in order to 'see', that is to understand and appreciate what he is all about. Often I think I 'know' Jesus well enough but that is not so. I have not followed him closely enough to learn from him, to be able to, as it were, 'reflect' him with clarity to others. I am still too 'full' of myself, my own plans and hopes and desires. These are not all bad, for they give me the impetus to journey on. But they can become traps, should I begin to identify them with what Jesus is all about. Often they are my own offerings to the Lord, rather than his clear calling to me!

"Come...and you will see" is the only way to 'follow'; and 'learn' from this Master. It is not from books, (secondhand knowledge of other people's experiences) that I will learn most deeply. It is through 'lived experience' of making the journey with Jesus as my companion. That is a refreshing thought my spiritual mentor often underlines. It is a slow process and perhaps that's why I try the quicker route of rushing through in my own wisdom.

"Come .....and you will see"