Fr. Bob White
Two of John’s disciples are following behind Jesus. Jesus notices them and turns and asks, “What are you looking for?” Jesus knew their hearts so what he was really asking was, In other words, “What do you want for your life? If Jesus were to ask you that question, how would you respond?
And the response of the two would be followers? “Rabbi, where are you staying?” What they were asking was, “Where can true life be found? And Jesus’ gives his famous three-word response, “Come and see”. “Come and see”, that was Jesus’ invitation to them to come and see just how good it is to be in relationship with him. What is your relationship with Jesus these days? What do you want it to be?
And so, the two went with Jesus for that afternoon. And as the two shared their stories a with Jesus a deep bond was formed among them. The two disciples left that day somehow changed. They had encountered this man named Jesus who had sat among them and that’s all that mattered.
And so, for us today the invitation is the same. Jesus says to us, “Come and see. Come and make the journey of life together not alone. Come and encounter me where two or three or more gathered in my name. That is the essence and the beauty of a parish small faith group. To trust that n the presence of those gathered we encounter the living Christ among us.
And so, to shift gears a bit what is exciting about Lent this year is that for the time in a long time all the parishes of the archdiocese will be working forming more parish small groups. So, why the sudden interest in parish small groups? After the recommendations coming from the synod process Archbishop Hebda named the forming of parish small groups as our first priority as a diocese.
So, why be part of a parish small group for Lent?” I’m in a parish small group for some time. It’s one of the men’s focus groups. Though I can’t explain it what I know is that after we reflect on the Gospel and listen each other’s stories for that week and then pray together we leave somehow more on fire for life and for Jesus.
And a side benefit, if you want our parish to feel like a community, form small group communities. Then the parish becomes a community of communities. That’s why when you get connected with those in your small group the parish doesn’t feel so big anymore.
What happens in these parish small groups? All of them have elements of scripture, personal sharing, and prayer. And in addition to that for this Lent there’s something new. You know how Fr. Mike Schmitz did his Bible in a Year? Well, Deacon Ray and I have teamed up not to do the Bible in a Year but to do Lent in a month. Well, a little more than a month give or take a couple more sessions.
For this Lent these six recorded teachings or reflections will be part of the format for the newly formed parish small groups. They also will be available to existing parish small groups if they want to use them.
With that in mind today I’m inviting you to prayerfully consider being part of a parish small group for this Lent. We won’t be taking signups today. That will be for next week. Today is your time to ask questions and get more information at the tables in the Commons after mass. Then pray about it during the week and see where the Spirit is leading you.
The two would be disciples heard Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see” and they went. How about you? Why not take that leap of faith and come and see just how good it can be to connect deeply with others on the same journey you travel.
