When we look at our readings today and study them a bit, it becomes clear that the common theme is one of being called, or in other words, discipleship. Look at the first reading. At a very young age, Samuel is called by the Lord to be a leader in Israel. He had a very key role in salvation history, especially when in later years, Samuel anointed David as the future king.
Psalm 40 is attributed to the same King David.
The refrain says “Here am I Lord, I come to do your will.” David is praying for help, but he is wise enough to know to be grateful for God’s blessings and he presents himself to God to be an instrument of God’s unfailing will.
Today’s gospel tells about the call of the first disciples, but the funny thing is, Jesus never really calls them directly - he lets them do the work. Let’s look at the characters in the story. Andrew is mentioned by name. He is referred to frequently in the gospels. We’re not told who the other apostle is in the story, but most scripture scholars think it’s John the apostle and author of the 4th gospel (not to be confused with John the Baptist). They think it’s John because of the details he uses. John gives a unique detail to the story when he says this took place around 4 in the afternoon. Scholars believe that only an eyewitness would have that type of detail in their story. Next we have John the Baptist who is very sure of who Jesus is. He calls him by a divine title - the Lamb of God, a title we use here at Mass when the priest says “Behold the Lamb of God.” The last character in the story is Simon, Andrew’s brother whose name gets changed to Cephas or Peter.
I’m sure Andrew and John were very excited when they came upon Jesus. I don’t think they really knew what to say to him. You would think the logical conversation would start with an introduction. But it doesn’t go like that. Jesus gives them his glance, probably a penetrating look that pierces heart and soul. This glance may have been the reason that they were not very coherent. He simply says “what are you looking for?” They don’t know what to say. They’re looking for the Messiah and the Baptist just said “this is the guy - follow him” But all that comes out of their mouths is “where are you staying?” It’s an odd response, but I shouldn’t fault them, because I probably wouldn’t have come up with anything better. I can imagine Jesus smiling at them as they fumble for words and calmly saying “Come and you will see.”
Come and you will see. These words called the first disciples. Jesus’ glance, his intense look, penetrated them and he invited them to a deep and personal relationship with Him.
As we read further in the gospels we will find that Jesus’ glance and his call to discipleship will be offered to many. How they respond however will vary.
Take for example, the story of the rich young man found in Mark’s gospel. The rich young man comes to Jesus and asks what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments and this he has done. Then Jesus looks at him intently and invites to go further and to sell all his possessions. This is too hard for the young man and as Jesus’ glance falls upon him, he looks away and chooses to love his possessions more.
Consider the story of Zacchaeus. He’s the short tax collector in the tree who’s looking for Jesus. Jesus looks up at him when they meet and he invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house for a meal and for much more. Zacchaeus could have also turned away. It would have been the easy thing to do, but he had the courage to say yes to the invitation and to make up for all the wrongs he had done by defrauding people.
How about the glance Jesus most likely gave to Simon Peter, the rock, our first pope and the head of the apostles after he told Jesus that he would not deny our Lord. Peter follows Jesus after Jesus has been arrested. Imagine Jesus looking back and seeing Peter and casting that penetrating glance of Peter. Peter is afraid and says that he does not know Jesus. I would bet that all Peter could think about was that glance of Christ and how he let his Lord and Savior down.
Why are you here at Mass today? Is it a coincidence? Is it the right thing to do? Is it what I always do on the weekend? Did you ever consider that maybe you are being called to an intimate meeting with Jesus? Jesus is looking at you right now. He is reaching out to you. Jesus where are you staying? We can ask him that question too. Come and you will see. This is an invitation to be closer to him and an invitation to discipleship to share his love with others. He doesn’t force his will upon us. He gives us a choice. We are here at Mass. We are seeking something. I hope you are seeking the Lamb of God. How will you respond to him? Are we going to be like the rich young man and let our possessions hold us back? Or are we here to respond to the glance of Christ and to make amends for our past failings and give our love and trust to Him completely?
Times are uncertain. Many are filled with anxiety and worry. Some don’t know who to trust. Trust in Jesus and in his glance and call. Be like Andrew and John. Don’t hold back. Be bold. Be courageous. Seek Jesus and find where he is staying. Be his disciple. Spread his message of love. In times like these we all need to be disciples of the Lamb of God.