SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS (MEMORIAL)

Come, and you will see. 

GPS and smartphones take much of the guesswork out of getting from place to place. “In one-half mile, take exit 42,” they tell us. “Keep left at the fork; in two hundred feet, turn right.” Concise, precise, and, voilà, you’ve arrived at your destination. If we’re accustomed to such directions, we might find Jesus’ invitation to “come, and you will see” less practical (John 1:39). And yet it will get you to your eternal destination better than GPS ever could.

Come, Jesus says. Responding to this summons will launch you on a new and exciting journey. It’s an invitation to develop a relationship with the Lord, just as Andrew and Simon Peter did. The invitation, though, is not reserved just for “first-timers.” It includes a call to deepen that relationship and to move close to Jesus. Whether you’re a first-timer or a “long-timer,” each step involves the same thing: spending time in prayer talking and listening to the Lord. Jesus invites you to come as you are, whoever you are, wherever you are, to take another step in his direction and learn from him.

“Come and see,” Jesus says. “See who I truly am and what I’m doing. See that I know you personally and entirely. See what I have in store for you today.” In your prayer, ask Jesus to open your eyes to see him. Ask him, “Where are you today, Jesus? What do you want me to understand about you? How do you want me to follow you?” And then sit quietly to listen. All day, be alert and watch for his answers.

Step-by-step, this journey takes place in your home, in your place of business, and in your ordinary daily tasks. As you come and see, Jesus will teach and guide you. Perhaps he will help you to see his love for you. Perhaps he will prompt you to repair a strained relationship. Or maybe he will spark a new idea about someone to pray for. The Lord has something new for you every morning. As we begin this new year, come, and you will see what it is.

“Jesus, I’m coming to you today. I want to see where you are today and what you are doing.”

1 John 3:7-10
Psalm 98:1, 7-9
John 1:35-42