By Newton Basumatari, csc.
Readings: 1 Sam 3: 3b -10, 19; 1 Cor 6 :13c – 15a, 17- 20; Jn 1: 35-42
We are in the second Sunday in ordinary time. The liturgy of the word reminds us of the invitation extended to us by God and our subsequent responses to it. In the first reading, we see how Samuel was able to recognize God’s voice with the help of Eli. In the gospel, John the Baptist conveyed information about Jesus to his disciples, sparking their curiosity, and Jesus, in turn, invited them with the words “come and see.”
Human response to God’s call is a journey of faith and obedience. It requires humility to recognize the sacred in the ordinary and courage to step into the unknown. We need the competence to see and courage to act. Jesus called his disciples in a very ordinary way and in love and obedience they responded to his invitation. Today, Jesus continues to call us to “come and see” prompting us to examine our responses.
Sometimes when we realize that we failed in responding to his call, we should not feel sad. Pope Francis reminds us that the Lord never tires of calling us. In Jesus, God provides continuous opportunities for us to deepen our love and to rediscover his eternal newness daily.
It is essential for us to understand why we follow him, as articulated by Blessed Basil Moreau in one of his sermons, emphasizing that to follow Jesus is to imitate him, the primary commitment made in baptism.
