Who is Jesus for you? John calls Jesus the Lamb of God and thus signifies Jesus’ mission as the One who redeems us from our sins. The blood of the Passover Lamb delivered the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt and from the plague of death. The Lord Jesus freely offered up his life for us on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The blood which he poured out for us on the cross cleanses, heals, and frees us from our slavery to sin, and from the “wages of sin which is death” and the “destruction of both body and soul in hell.”

John, with his great humility was eager to point out the Christ—the anointed one, MESSIAH. Because he was so humble before God and man, he did not hesitate to direct his own disciples to the Lord Jesus. When two of John’s disciples began to seek Jesus out, Jesus took the initiative to invite them into his company. He asked them one of the most fundamental questions of life: “What are you looking for?” Jesus asks each one of us the same question: “What are you searching for? Do you know the meaning and purpose for your life?” Only God, the Father and Author of life, can answer that question and make our purpose fully known to us. That is why the Lord Jesus invites each one of us to draw near to himself. He wants us to know him personally—to know what he came to do for us and what he wants to offer us.

“Come and see” is the Lord’s invitation for each one of us every day of our lives. Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us that it is God, our Creator and Redeemer, who seeks us out, even when we are not looking for him. It is God who initiates and who draws us to himself. Without his mercy and help we could not find him on our own.

You know that when we find something of great value it is natural to want to share the good news of our discovery with our family, friends, and neighbors. That is what Andrew did. Once he met Jesus and discovered that he was truly the Messiah, he immediately went to his brother Simon and told him the good news. Andrew brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus.

When Jesus saw Simon approaching, Jesus looked at Simon and revealed that he knew who Simon was beforehand. Jesus gave Simon the new name “Cephas” which is the Aramaic word for “rock.” Cephas is translated as Peter—Petros in Greek and Petrus in Latin—which also literally means “rock.”

To call someone a “rock” was one of the greatest compliments in the ancient world. The New Testament describes the Church as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones. Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones.

Yes, my dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, who is Jesus for us? Do we receive His invitation every day that he calls to us, “come and see”? Are we trying to seek the most valuable in our life—like Christ the Messiah? What is our preference in life? Do we have great Faith like “Rock” in our daily life to follow Him without turning back?

With gratitude, love, and prayers,

Fr. Charley