Those of us, who were fortunate enough to attend the National Gathering last week, heard Bishop Hanson address today’s appointed Gospel test. It is taken from the first chapter of John.
Philip is the first to encounter Jesus. Jesus says to him, “Follow me.” That is all he says. Jesus doesn’t instruct him on the particulars of what it means to be a believer, he doesn’t inquire as to Philip’s background or behavior. He merely, and simply, asks him to follow.
This is the invitation given to each of us. We are invited to follow. We don’t know where we will be lead and we don’t have to make any decisions before we begin. We merely, and simply, follow.
Philip finds Nathanael and informs Nathanael “we have found him.” Nathanael is skeptical. He expresses his doubts. Philip doesn’t try to convince Nathanael to believe what it is that he has already come to believe. Philip simply invites Nathanael to “come and see.”
Aware of the precious gift given to us as we live among God’s people, we invite others to come and see how good it is. We do not need to argue our position or prove the validity of our convictions. We merely and simply invite others to come and see.
Being a Christian is not a snap decision, nor is it a PhD in Christian thought. Being a Christian means a willingness to follow Jesus; it means being open to seeing.
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