Come and See!

John 1:29-42

Epiphany 2, January 18, 2026

Holy Trinity Cathedral

“Come and See”

In Frank Baum’s story of the Wizard of Oz, everyone is looking for something.  The scarecrow wanted a brain for wisdom.  The cowardly lion sought courage.  The tin man wanted a heart,  Dorothy yearned for home. Nobody asked Toto the dog, but he too must have had his reason for making the journey with the companions to see the wizard. From that first encounter, their communal path leads each of them into greater understanding of their true self.  It starts when they set off together along the road.  

We are all, whether we realize it or not, looking for something to make meaning of our lives. To have faith in a purpose larger than ourselves that will light our way forward.  To have hope that what we do and say has a lasting impact for good, and that we will be remembered in love.  To see the arc of our existence go beyond this physical world.  In our searching, signs can be given to assist us.  Maybe it is the witness of another person who has found a trustworthy path.  Perhaps we have discovered truth in our reading of the Scriptures.  Often a personal experience or crisis reveals a new insight.  Whether we have been raised in a family of faith or challenged in learning about matters of religion as an adult, there are different routes to entering onto the Christian way.  But there is a certain point when we realize that it is not something that we are looking for.  It is someone. 

When Jesus called his first followers, he invited them to know him better.  They entered into a relationship which helped them to grow into the people God wanted them to be. They had questions about faith and meaning.  Some of them had already been the students of John the Baptist, who pointed them towards the one he called the Son of God. When Jesus walks by, they tag along after him, hoping he’ll notice their interest.  Jesus then asks them, “What are you looking for?”  Maybe they are not quite sure themselves, or they just want an opportunity to engage.  They respond with a question of their own.  “Teacher, where are you staying?” 

Now staying in this context doesn’t mean where Jesus is spending the night, although that was a legitimate question for a late afternoon meeting.  But the word also implies abiding, tarrying, and remaining.  Where is Jesus hanging out?  How long is he going to be around these parts?  How does he intend to be present to them in their searching?  The Holy Spirit abided with Jesus from his baptism onwards.  Is Jesus going to stick with them if they commit to his way?  Those who follow Jesus want a reassurance that he will be there with them in their journey.  And so he will.  At this beginning stage, the new disciples can’t foresee how this is going to come about.  With post-resurrection eyes, we are promised that the risen Christ will be with us always, to the end of the age.  

Those who follow Jesus are invited to abide with him, and he will abide with them.  Individually we are drawn to the one who is the face of the divine, the Son of God, and the Saviour of our souls.  The recognition of Jesus in our life can come at any time, in any place, to any one of us.  However, in living out our Christian identity, it is good to be with the company of others who have also been invited to be disciples on the way.  

Consistently the Church is the community that reflects the Body of Christ.  For all its mistakes and imperfections, here are the people who are open to learn and grow in God’s love.  It started with Andrew and Simon Peter.  From there, as people hear Jesus speak and see him heal and minister, more and more are drawn to him.  Maybe they are seeking different things to heal the body, or mind, or spirit. Some are challenged.  Some are confronted with uncomfortable truths.  All are changed by the encounter.  After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples find him present in a new way.  He still abides with them.  The Church still attracts those who are discerning meaning in their lives.

No matter where you are on the path of discovery, Jesus Christ is waiting for you to ask your question.  Are you looking for values?  Worth? Purpose? Acceptance? Spiritual depth?  Courage?  Compassion? Community?  So what are you looking for?  Come and see what will satisfy your soul.  Amen.