Dear all.
Gospel reading
Yesterday’s gospel reading (John 1:43 – 51) contains the invitation to “come and see”. There is an adage that seeing is believing. When you see something for yourself you are not relying upon someone else’s expression of what they observed but have direct experience of the thing observed. “Come and see” effectively says come and make your own assessment and not accept what I tell you.
This idea of “seeing” is what reaffirms faith. When John’s disciples was sent by him to ask of Christ: “are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?”. Christ responds unequivocally: “go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matthew 11:3 – 5). They saw for themselves the saving works of Christ.
If we do not see, chances are we will not believe. Even Thomas, a disciple, declared that: “unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” After Thomas was invited to forensically satisfy himself that Christ had indeed resurrected he declares: “my Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Christ responds: ” have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Today, we are called upon to undergo a journey – a journey to come and see Christ. Let us refresh ourselves and remember each one of us is invited to “come and see”. The choice is ours. Do we say yes, I will walk with you to see not only your crucifixion but your glorious resurrection. Or, do we say no and thereby close the door of the kingdom against us. The consequences of our decision are huge. “Come and see” such a simple invitation with such awesome consequences.
Programme for this week
I attach the programme for great Lent. As you can see it is a rich programme of liturgical service. The reason for this is that we are now preparing ourselves for Holy week. May the Lenten journey of each and every one of us bring us closer to Christ.
Thought for the week
Coming to see Christ is the first step of a very long journey. It puts your feet on the right path. Whether you have the strength, courage, perseverance, humility and the love for Christ to walk towards him is up to you. Notice all the qualities that you need – and this is only for the first step! That first step is called a change of heart. How hard is that first step. Blessed be God who comes to prop us in our weakness.
Till next time.
In Christ.
Father John Athanasiou – 0411 061 554
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