An Invitation to Conversion - Homily - First Friday Celebration Jan 2024

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010524.cfm

Public Domain -
Alessandro Magnasco

Yesterday's gospel  told of how Philip and Andrew left John the Baptist to follow Jesus. When Jesus turned around and asked what they wanted, they answered, “Where do you stay?” Jesus invited them to “Come and see” 

Later, Andrew found his brother Simon Peter saying “We have found the Messiah.”  Although it does not say it in the Gospel, Andrew may have said to his brother, “Come and see!” and he took Simon to see Jesus.

In today’s Gospel, Nathaniel asks Philip “can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip’s answer, “Come and see,” and then he took Nathaniel to see Jesus.

The invitation” come and see” from the Gospel of John points to an invitation to know Jesus that requires something of us. The invitation is not see and come. Philip, Andrew, Simon, and Nathaniel left where they were to come to Jesus. It is about conversion - metanoia - change 

God knows us and knows our heart. Jesus saw Nathaniel coming and knew what was in his heart before Nathaniel was even invited by Philip to “Come and see.”

It took a brief encounter with Jesus for Andrew to bring the message, “We have found Christ!” After only a few moments, Nathaniel stated “You are the son of God, the king of Israel.” 

“Come and see” is both an invitation and a promise. “Come and see,” I will take you to Him.“Come and see.” I will walk with you.  The “come and see” of conversion is contagious.

When a person comes to God through Jesus Christ, they share it with others. They share with the ones they love. They share it with friends. Our conversion shares the peace and joy that the love of knowing Jesus brings to our hearts. Others, who see peace, joy, and love in use, will be intrigued. They will want to know Jesus who offers this.

Come and see by prayer, adoration, in the eucharist, and by love. Come and see God who knows us and draws near to us through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He wants us to know him. He invites us to “come and see.”

We share the invitation and promise “come and see.” We are to love one another. By that love, Jesus sends us to invite others “come and see” and then walk with them.