MEETING JESUS FOR THE FIRST TIME
You may have noticed that there is a theme to our readings over these last few weeks: That of responding to an invitation. Our readings have been focused on our common search for purpose, though specifically in relationship to God. “What are you looking for?” we are asked. Last week, we heard about the Kingdom of God. Today, we hear that Jesus is the prophet we asked for – the one who speaks the voice of God – the one who speaks with Divine authority.
It is as if we are journeying with our ancestors these past few weeks. We are reliving their moment of discovery; the fulfillment of the promise to send a Messiah in the person of Jesus Christ.
It is hard for us, I think, to see with the faith that was required of them. The story of Jesus is so well known to us, but if we can step outside of our own knowledge and consider what it would have been like to meet Jesus for the first time, then His voice my open our hearts a little wider today.