AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR!

 FEBRUARY 9, 2023

John 1:46b

Philip answered, "Come and see".

And then there were four! Doubled in a day. Note Philip’s invitation: come and see. That is a way to simplify things. No pressure on Nathanael. Simply a description of Jesus, then a gentle invite to come and see for himself.

What we witness in this account is that Philip has already caught on to Jesus' approach. Simple invitation. That has been my experience of God, God doesn't step toward me with heavy handed tactics, shaking an accusing finger at me. I have found that God uses the method of a simple invitation to get my attention. Come and see! Come and hear! Come and touch!

All the wonderful spiritual encounters I have had with God seem to come down to these simple invitations.

Come and see! The heavens and earth tell the glory of God. Is God not present in the sunrise, the sunset, the amazing views of nature and creation wherever you may be in the world? Open your eyes. View the intricacies of a spider’s web, think about the creative potential of a seed, the power of an ocean wave, the beauty of a walk through Jackson Park in summer, a fall visit to Ojibway, the generosity of a friend.

God at work. God inviting.

Come and hear! The wind swirling in the trees.  Reminding us of the Holy Spirit, blowing here and there with reckless abandon (see John 3:8). Hear the morning bird song in spring; the music that speaks to your spirit with emotion; the giggle of a little baby; the laugh of children playing, the voice of comfort.

God at work. God inviting.

Come and touch … taste … and smell! The hug of a loved one; the soft fur of a beloved pet. The nutritious meal provided by loving hands; the freshness of a ripe fruit and veggies; the sweet pick-me-up of a morning coffee (or tea, or smoothie). The fresh baked loaf of bread; the fragrance of a rose in bloom.

God at work. God inviting.

We see that Jesus began sharing love with simple invitations. God continues that in the world in which we live by the Holy Spirit. In everyday miracles. In everyday presence. In everyday love. Come and see. Come and hear. Come and touch.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, we thank you for your presence in so many ways. Open our senses so we may respond to your invitation, and see, hear and taste love in all its ways. Amen.