In St. John’s Gospel, the Evangelist tells the story of how Jesus called his first disciples, two brothers named James and John.

They were initially followers of John the Baptist, but he had said from the beginning of his ministry that there was one greater than he on the horizon. When the Baptizer points out Jesus to James and John, they immediately begin to follow Jesus…literally. Jesus turns around and invites them to “come and see” what he is all about. Jesus doesn’t set boundaries. He doesn’t say that in order to follow him one has to do X, Y and Z,  or follow certain rules. He simply invites.

The invitation will lead to everything else.

We get to know Jesus through time spent with him in prayer, in reading the Gospel stories about him, and talking to others about Jesus and the Church he founded with those first followers. “Commitment” is a tough thing for many these days. In that story of James and John, the Gospel writer notes that the two men spent only a few hours with Jesus after their first encounter. But it was enough for them to make a commitment. Jesus invites you to do the same.

Perhaps you’re a baptized Christian who never thought much about a relationship with the Lord.

Jesus is inviting you to “Come and See” all that he wants to give you. We invite you to read the following words as often as you need to and commit yourself to following through on them. When you’re ready, seek out a Catholic priest in your area to help you take the next step.   We will be praying for you.

Dear Lord Jesus: I am ready to “Come and See,” to renew my relationship with you, to take one step farther and make more permanent my commitment to you. I am in great need of your Presence in my life. Lord, help me to renew my participation in your family, the Church. Help me to remove all the obstacles that I have placed between You and me. Amen.