Life is so much more powerful than we know. Looking for the more of life can be one of the most important spiritual exercises that we can do. Inviting others into the more of life and responding to the invitation of others to investigate the more, can lead us to learn and discover things that we never dreamed of. Finding the treasures of life can lead us to our most profound joy. This week’s Gospel passage from John captures each of the above experiences. They are expressed in the following:
“Behold…”
“What are you looking for?”
“Come and see” and
“We have found the Messiah!”
We make a quick transition from the infant Jesus who anchors the Christmas story, who is admired, who elicits wonder and awe in the innocence of a newborn, who is visited by royalty and hard working shepherds alike, to an adult Jesus who is pointed out by an adult John the Baptist. We transition from admiring Jesus to being asked to follow him, and the four experiences above accentuate both the challenge and the importance of the adventure.
John the Baptist says, “Behold the lamb of God” as he points out Jesus to the disciples, one of whom is Andrew. “Behold” is one of my favorite words. You have probably heard me talk about it. When we behold something we look at it, not simply for what it is, but for what it can be. Beholding someone acknowledges all they stand for and all they have become. We do not simply look at a fine piece of art or a wonder of creation – we behold it. That is why there are benches in art museums; so people can behold the beauty, not simply glance at it.
John the Baptist urges us all to not simply look at life and Jesus Christ, but to behold them. Let’s follow his example, and when we see Christ at work in the world, let’s encourage others to behold it. Let’s all behold the gift of life that God has given us in its beauty, its possibility and its power.
“What are you looking for?” This is the question that Jesus asks the curious disciples who have responded to John the Baptist’s invitation to follow Jesus. This is an ambitious personal question. It is worth asking ourselves on a regular basis. It helps us to clarify our expectations. It is a question of purpose, a question of direction, a question for the future. So, spiritually, what are you looking for at this point in your life?
“Come and see” Jesus says to the questioning disciples. They seek a place, or even an address, to physically locate where Jesus lays his head or makes his residence. He gives them an invitation, not a locale. In a spiritual sense he invites them, and us, to take a lifetime to discover what there is to see in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Try something new in your prayer life as we start a new year. Join a ministry. Attend a new or different presentation or program to expand and deepen your spiritual life. Come and see!
“We have found the Messiah.” We all know the joy in finding – even the simplest or smallest item. After a search for an item of great value, we know the satisfaction or even the peace in finding it. Andrew shares the joy and accomplishment in finding what all humanity has searched for – the savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ – with his brother, Peter. Have you shared what you have found with others? Have you shared the joy in finding value, particularly the spiritually valuable insights of your faith, with others? These statements and reflections can guide us for this brief period of ordinary time leading up to Lent. Ash Wednesday is February 14.
I would like to thank all of the countless ministers, staff and volunteers who helped make our Christmas such a prayerful experience. Dedicated folks in liturgy, environment, music, technology and operations efforts collaborated to guide the many who joined us in worship. Thank you to all!
Our 2018 Gala is fast approaching. Please plan on joining us on Saturday, February 24 at Concorde Banquets on Rand Road in Kildeer. All proceeds help support our very ambitious mission. You can help by You can help by planning on attending the Gala with friends and family, it’s a wonderful and fun event, or making a cash donation if you can’t make it. You can buy a raffle ticket to our Cash, Class or Paris limited 150 ticket raffle, become a sponsor or buy an ad for your business in our program book, donate an item for our silent or live auctions, or help us with our Wine and Dine offerings by donating either a $25 gift card to a local restaurant or a bottle of wine valued at $25 or more. More info on all these options can be found at our Gala website, www.holyfamilygala.org.