First Reading (1 John 3,7-10).
Reading of the First Letter of Saint John.
Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who practices justice is just, just as he is just. He who commits sin is of the devil, because the devil has been a sinner from the beginning. This is why the Son of God manifested himself: to destroy the works of the devil. Whoever was born of God does not commit sin, because the seed of God remains in him; he cannot sin, for he was born of God. In this it is revealed who is a son of God and who is a son of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 1:35-42).
Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, John was again with two of his disciples and, seeing Jesus passing by, he said: “Behold the Lamb of God!” Hearing these words, the two disciples followed Jesus. Turning to them and seeing that they were following him, Jesus asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (which means: Master), where do you live?” Jesus replied, “Come and see.” So they went to see where he lived and, that day, they stayed with him. It was around four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s words and followed Jesus. He first went to find his brother Simon and told him: “We have found the Messiah” (which means: Christ). Then Andrew led Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked closely at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which means: Stone).
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Have you ever noticed how a single decision can completely change the course of a life? An unexpected encounter, a moment of clarity, a courageous “yes” – and suddenly, everything transforms. Today’s readings tell us about profound transformations and decisive choices that define who we really are.
In the first reading, John presents us with a blunt truth: “He who commits sin is of the devil… He who was begotten by God does not commit sin.” At first glance, these words may seem scary. After all, we all sin, right? But John is talking about something deeper here – he is talking about identity and life direction.
When John says that anyone born of God cannot sin, he is not suggesting an impossible perfection. It is talking about our nature transformed in Christ. It’s like a compass – there may be temporary deviations, but true north remains constant. When we are truly born of God, our fundamental orientation changes. Sin stops being our nature and becomes an anomaly.
And then we come to the Gospel, where we find one of the most transformative moments in human history – Andrew and Peter’s first encounter with Jesus. The scene begins with John the Baptist pointing to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God!” What an extraordinary statement! John does not say “behold a great teacher” or “behold a mighty prophet,” but “the Lamb of God”—a reference loaded with sacrificial meaning that his Jewish hearers would have understood immediately.
The two disciples, hearing this, begin to follow Jesus. And then something fascinating happens. Jesus turns and asks, “What are you looking for?” It’s a question that echoes down the centuries to us today. What are we really looking for in our lives? Status? Security? Meaning? Love?
The disciples’ response is intriguing. Instead of giving a straight answer, they ask, “Rabbi, where do you live?” It may seem like a strange question, but it reveals a deep desire. They don’t just want information about Jesus; they want to meet him in person, they want to be where he is.
And Jesus’ response is an invitation that would change their lives forever: “Come and see.” There are no elaborate theological arguments, no complex requirements. Just a simple invitation for a personal experience.
André is so impacted by this encounter that he immediately looks for his brother Simon. “We have found the Messiah!” Notice the urgency, the joy in his words. When we find something – or someone – that transforms our life, we can’t keep it to ourselves.
And then we see another transformative moment. Jesus looks at Simon and says, “You are Simon… you will be called Cephas (which means Peter).” Jesus not only sees who Simon is, but who he can become. In a moment of personal encounter, a new identity is conferred.
How do these readings connect and speak to our reality today? They show us that being a Christian is not just about following a set of rules or accepting certain doctrines. It’s about a fundamental transformation of identity. It’s about encountering Jesus personally and allowing that encounter to redefine who we are.
When John says that whoever is born of God cannot sin, he is talking about this new identity. Just as Peter could no longer be just Simon after meeting Jesus, we cannot remain the same after a genuine encounter with Christ.
The invitation to “come and see” still resonates with us today. Jesus does not ask us to accept a set of abstract truths. He invites us into a personal experience, a transformative relationship. And just like André, when we experience this transformation, we naturally want to share it with others.
So today, allow me to ask you a few questions: What are you looking for? Where is your heart truly set? Have you ever had a personal encounter with Jesus that transformed your identity? If so, how is this reflected in your daily choices? If not, are you willing to accept the invitation to “come and see”?
The good news is that no matter where we are on our spiritual journey, the invitation remains open. Jesus keeps turning to us, asking “What are you looking for?” And he continues to invite us: “Come and see.”
May we, like André and Pedro, have the courage to follow this invitation. May we allow our encounter with Jesus to transform our identity so profoundly that sin becomes increasingly foreign to our nature. And that, like André, we cannot contain the joy of sharing the treasure we have found with others.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
