Gospel for January 14 2024 – John 1: 35-42
Gospel Reflections for January 14 2024
We have a video!
What if someone asked if they could videotape you all next week …and then make it public. Would you agree? In a way, Jesus invited two people in the Gospel to do just that!
He had been saying very bold statements for some time and so is drawing larger and larger crowds, and the stories about Him are spreading everywhere.
John the Baptist sees Jesus approach and declares He is the Savior we have all been waiting for! But two disciples ask if this is really true. How can they know?
This political season is also a time of bold claims by politicians as well. Jesus recognizes our dilemma, and how difficult it is to truly know someone from just their sound bites on TV.
Jesus offers a compelling answer. He invites the two disciples to Come and see for yourself! He invites them to watch His every move …how He lives .. and especially how He treats people.
Only a person supremely confident in himself would ever allow their life to be broadcast on a large screen TV in every home!
Jesus asks, What are you looking for? People responded then as we might today. We have been disappointed before by other fancy talking leaders, so we are looking for someone who is genuine, authentic, and real! Jesus knows that words are cheap and easy to say. He knows that behavior is everything.
Jesus also trusts you to make your own judgment. He is willing to let you see and hear for yourself, and decide about His behavior and come to your own honest conclusion.
We see this at every Mass as well. Jesus says these most beautiful words, This is my Body and Blood …given for your happiness, and then just a few moments later, He places Himself directly in your hands at communion. He follows through on His words!
This physical presence of Jesus is powerful. Even the two disciples ask Jesus, Where are you staying? They wanted His physical presence then that we enjoy in the Eucharist today.
You can also come to know Him more in The University Series, which is our large multi-parish adult education program coming this Lent, with 50 classes hosted at St. Bruno, Beatitudes, and St. Mary’s parishes on topics that connect our faith with real life in practical ways.
Come and see for yourself!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I read your message weekly. I find your words informative and comforting. Thanks.
Very honored that you find them helpful.
Really Amazes Me as to how and who He Gathered for Friends and Partners in Faith. His Magnetic Personality and Bearing along with what He said made people want to follow Him.
The Poor, Fishermen,Publicans ,TaxCollectors and a few important ones but not many.
He prayed often and had great skill in choosing them, They followed him many to Martyrdom.
His Life and Times, what he taught us and them serves to enable Eternal Salvation to those following. His teachings. Not only that it makes Life a lot better while we are in this Life as well. Thanks Father Dave for reminding us each week of the Treasure we possess.
You wrote a beautiful summary of Our Lord’s life!
Dear Father Dave,
Yes, behavior can be more truth revealing than words. And the combination of both allow us to see and understand more clearly.
Today, we have global media, which has become more editorial, opinionated fluff and nonsense reporting vs. fact!
Yes, it’s quite easy to believe that Christ’s doubters verbalized to others their own spin on who was the man—Jesus. But our Savior had His purpose, ordained the Father. His very life of pure love turned this world on its heels through His teachings, miracles, the cruelty of His incredulous, heartbreaking death on the cross, and the the ultimate miracle of all, His resurrection.
Let’s pray for peace.
Kathleen
“His very life of pure love turned this world on its heels…” You wrote a perfect description of the life of Our Lord.