Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr B. Jan 14, 2024.
Readings
1st: I Sam 3:3b-10, 19
2nd: II Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel: Jn 1:35-42
Theme: God knows you and where you are
My dear people of God, today is Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr B. Sadly, we were not all able to accompany the Magi in memory on last Sunday (Epephany) on their long, winding, frightening but well determined journey in search of the Infant King Jesus. Similarly, we couldn't meet on Monday to witness the First public appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ as he celebrated his Baptism in the Jordan River administered by his own cousin, John the Baptist. Death, that uninvited but inevitable and self-imposed "guest", visited my family (again), hit me where it hurts most, swept me off my feet and I had to tearfully go on my knees in humility. Bro George, the family dedicates this write-up to you. Please bring our greetings to Solomon Debuo (our last born) Catherine Debuo (our Mom) Grace Debuo (our daughter-in-law) and the two innocent infants who never experienced the warmth of the family before suffering their painful fate. We would miss all of you but we hope to meet you (and all those who went before you) at the Resurrection where all our ceaseless tears would be wiped away permanently. Nothing can seperate us from the love of God, not even death.
Our reflections would take a brief look at how God knows our location and constantly seeks after us. God knows you and is constantly aware of where you are. Both our First Reading and the Gospel attest to this fact. Meanwhile, it is fair to admit and acknowledge the humility of Eli and John the Baptist in their ardent quest to introduce, guide and lead people to a personal discovery and experience of God. We see the counterparts of the ignorant Samuel in our First Reading of today in the first two disciples of Jesus in today's gospel. The author of our First Reading carefully presents Eli as one who does not claim to know all or one who will take the place and/or honor of a call coming from a superior voice. "I did not call you. Go and sleep......(3x)...when He calls again say, 'Speak Lord, (NOT speak, Eli) your servant is listening'". In our gospel we see, as usual, John the Baptist, like Eli, pointing beyond himself. Both Eli and John the Baptist know that to speak to "their ignorant followers" (Samuel and the first two disciples of Jesus) in such a blunt language will constitute a direct invitation for them to leave and transfer their loyalty to a new and greater teacher, yet they both do. We can say, without an iota of doubt, that there is no jealously in both mentors - Eli & John the Baptist. There is no harder task than to take the second place when once the first place was enjoyed. It is awasome that as soon as Jesus emerges on the scene John has no other thought than to lead and guide people to him. Eli will do same when the boy Samuel grows up and the Lord is with him and will let not a single word of his (Samuel's) fall to the ground. We are often too quick to claim and complain, "I made him who he is but today he is.......". Yes that is quite true and can be painful and disappointing but also remember that someone (God) too made you who you are but today and everyday everywhere you are........ It is so sad that the eye can never see itself.
In that casual but cordial interaction between Jesus and the two disciples we see a symbol of divine initiative. It is always God who takes the first steps because "He knows us and where we are". When the human mind begins to seek and the heart begins to long eagerly, God comes to meet us far more than half way. God does not leave us to search and search untill we come to him. God comes out to meet us because He knows us and where we are. As St. Augustine puts it so beautifully, we could not even have begun to seek God unless He has already found us. Therefore, we don't go to God as if He is hiding somewhere to be searched for; we go to God as one who stands waiting for us and He even takes the initiative by coming to meet us far more than half way. Jesus asks the two disciples the most fundamental question in life, "What are you looking for? It would be very well if every now and again we ask ourselves that most fundamental question, "What am I lookibg for?, "What is my aim and goal?, "What am l really trying to get out of life?" Is it security, power, money, fame, a partner, job, fruit of the womb, health of body and mind, is it peace that you are looking for, etc? Jesus' answer is still as relevant for you and I even at our own time and in our own situations as it was to the two disciples, "Come and see". By this answer Jesus not only invite them to come and merely talk but to come and find things out that He alone can reveal. They go and see where Jesus lives and spend the whole day with Him, listening to Him and finding things out for themselves. At our time the traditional Benediction/Adoration is poorly patronised, talking about personal visits to the Blessed Sacrament by individuals and groups, the least said the best. What is even more worrying is that people habitually attend Mass very late and are often the ones to leave, even before the final blessing by the priests. God is waiting to meet you today in Church and to give you grace to find out things for yourself. May grace and mercy locate you as you go to Church today and always and to patiently allow His word to speak to you. Never be in a hurry because God has not finished speaking to you yet. May the soul of George K. Debuo and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Continue to pray the Holy Rosary daily. God richly bless you and your family
Rev. Fr. Thomas L. Debuo - Catholic Diocese of Damongo, Ghana. (0244511306/0243711926)