Introduction
If you want to know what it is like to encounter Jesus, just ask his mother, Mary. She was about twelve years old when she became pregnant with him by the power of the Holy Spirit. The story of the Annunciation is recounted in Luke’s Gospel (1:26-38) and it is followed by the account of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, soon to be the mother of John the Baptist (1:39-56). We meet him in the Gospel story below. Mary’s encounter with Jesus in her womb is recognised in her prayer of praise, which is often referred to as the Magnificat. May the actions that are undertaken as a result of this Enquiry also reflect the confidence of Mary in God’s power and mercy made visible in her Son.
The Gospel
The next day John was there again with two of his followers. When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The two followers heard John say this, so they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following him, he asked, “What are you looking for?”
They said, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” (“Rabbi” means “Teacher.”)
He answered, “Come and see.” So the two men went with Jesus and saw where he was staying and stayed there with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
One of the two men who followed Jesus after they heard John speak about him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and say to him, “We have found the Messiah.” (“Messiah” means “Christ.”)
Then Andrew took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.” (John 1:35-42 - New Century Version)
The Enquiry
See
What happens in this Gospel story? Have you ever acted like John the Baptist and directed your friends’ attention to Jesus? How did you do that? What happened?
Imagine that you are one of the people in this Gospel. What happens to you because you meet Jesus?
What changes for the people in the Gospel because they meet with Jesus?
Judge
What do you think about this event in the Gospel?
What does your faith tell you about encountering Jesus in daily life and among friends, such as in this Gospel?
Ideally, what should happen when people meet Jesus in their daily lives?
Act
As you reflect on the impact of encountering Jesus, what do you want to change in the world you experience so that people will respond in faith to Jesus when he reveals himself?
What small action can you take that will contribute to bringing about this change?
Who can you involve in your action and how and when will you get them to participate in your action?
Author: Pat Branson
Image source:
https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews/photos/a.496953866982889/2268566656488259/?type=3
Pope Francis reflects: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day/2024/01/04.html