Day 3 of our Reflections on the Gospel of John. If you'd like to receive the transcript by email, go here. 

A Reflection on John 1: 35-51

“What do you seek? ... Come and see.” (v 39)

These are the very first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John, spoken to the first Apostles.  Jesus could see their longing; He knew why they were there.  Still, He asks because He wants them to recognize and give voice to their desire.  He wants the same for us.  Close your eyes, and hear Him say those same words to you.  He gazes into your heart, already knowing your wants and needs, your sins and wounds, yet waiting to hear your answer.  “What do you seek?  Do you know, child, what will satisfy your heart’s desire?  You may come to me looking for answers, but do you know, truly, what your soul cries out for?  When you let go of all the false idols, all the counterfeits, can you feel the desire quell within you?... Come and see.  I will show you.  I see what is in your heart, and if you will let me, I will satisfy your thirst, measure for measure, even overflowing.”

Will you let Him change you as the first Apostles did?  They “stayed with him that day,” and after living an encounter with Jesus, they couldn’t help but spread this news.  What will your response be?  When you hear Him saying, “Come and see,” will you go to meet Him in your heart of hearts?  Will you allow yourself to be so changed by that encounter, that others will see the change in you and come to know Him more through you?

He is calling you to a greater intimacy with him, an intimacy you may not have known was possible on this earth.   He sees the question in your heart, and he wants you to come and see.  All that is left is for you to take the first step.  Are you ready?

Jesus, I long to meet you in my heart.  I desire intimacy with you there.  Help me to prepare my heart.  Remove the impediments and heal the wounds that keep you out.  Make your home in me.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.