2B SUNDAY HOMILY, JOHN 1:35-42, JANUARY 14, 2024
1. STORY
The superior of a monastery went to a wise man for advice. His monastery was once very famous and
flourishing with vocations. People from
all over the world went there to pray. However,
this has all changed with fewer vocations and fewer people going there. The superior asked if it was some sin of
theirs that caused this. The wise men
said it was because of the sin of ignorance. One of their members in disguise was the
Messiah, and they were ignorant of this. The superior returned to the monastery with
the amazing news that the Messiah was one of their members in disguise. Could it be Brother Cook? Brother Gardener? Brother Cleaner? One thing was certain: If the Messiah was
there in disguise was it not likely that they would recognize him. So, they treated each other with respect and
consideration. The result was that the
atmosphere in the monastery was full of joy. Many came to pray and to seek admission as the
monastery was filled with the spirit of love.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 1:35-42
A. ANDREW FOUND JESUS THE MESSIAH
i) John the Baptist, when he saw Jesus walking by, informed Andrew that
Jesus was the Messiah, the Lamb of God.
ii) Andrew immediately followed Jesus and stayed with him.
B. ANDREW TELLS PETER THAT HE HAD FOUND THE MESSIAH
i) Andrew informed his brother Peter about the good news that he had
found the Messiah.
ii) He then brought Peter to meet Jesus who welcomed him.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. WE HAVE FOUND JESUS
When we have found a lost house key, or a lost ID card, or a lost sum of money, we are overjoyed as these are important for our daily living. We are blessed as we have found Jesus who is the source of our joy, peace, and happiness. He is the light of the world helping us to know right from wrong, what is important and not so important, and what is good and what is harmful for our soul. He is the bread of life nourishing us with the Eucharist and his word. He is the living water comforting us as we meet troubles and failures in our life’s difficult journey.
B. WE HELP OTHERS FIND JESUS
We have the opportunity, ability, and responsibility to tell others
about Jesus. They, too, are in need of
joy, peace, and happiness. Here are
three suggestions to help others find Jesus.
i) Pray daily for one friend or relative who is not baptized or for a
baptized person who has left Christ.
ii) Be kind, patient, and forgiving to others.
iii) Invite a relative, a friend, or neighbor to church or to study a
catechism class.
4. CONCLUSION
The monastery was changed when the monks knew that the Messiah was among
them. Andrew found Jesus and brought his
brother Peter to Jesus. We have found
Jesus, and we must bring others to know Jesus. Jesus brings joy, peace and happiness. He will also do the same for others whom we
bring to him.
