John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God,” and two of his disciples left to follow Jesus. Jesus then asks them one of his probing questions: “What are you looking for?” As often happens in John’s Gospel, the question does not get a direct answer. Their reply indicated they needed to spend time with him. They asked: “Teacher, where are you staying?” Jesus’ response was as open then as it is now: “Come and you will see.” They stayed the day and perhaps the night. Whatever was said, it was enough for Andrew to get his brother Simon the next day and take him to Jesus, who then immediately changed his name to Peter.

     Encountering and spending time with Jesus usually brings change. At every Mass we hear: “Behold the Lamb of God” before Communion. We can hear it as an invitation to stay with him, to listen for how he might speak to us, how he might name us “Beloved,” “Brother,” or “Sister,” “Friend,” or “Disciple”.

     Psalm 95 advises: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Even better, follow the advice Eli gave Samuel and say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

     Are you willing to hear the Lord’s voice? Are you willing to tell him what you are looking for?

 

                                                       God Bless! Fr. Joe Bacevice