Come and see (1/28/20)

Walk like him. Excerpted parts from the sermon Bishop Gutiérrez delivered at Church of the Redeemer, Springfield, this past Sunday:

A favorite childhood memory was of my father shaving. I would jump on the counter, lean against him and watch in fascination as the razor glided down his face. I would pretend to shave; however, the reason for jumping on that counter next to him was that I enjoyed seeing the reflection of the two of us together.

I loved my father, I wanted to do everything like him. I wanted to walk like him, act like him, and talk like him. I wanted to be him. I am positive Peter, Andrew, James and John felt the same way in Jesus’ presence. What compelled them to drop everything - nets, lives, families and follow him. ...

Imagine Jesus looking at you and inviting “come and see.” That question directed at you, with all its implications. I have been reflecting the call of Jesus and I asked “what does it mean to be a Christian?” Do we walk like him, act like him, and talk like him? Of utmost importance, do we know him? ...

Jesus seeks our oneness with Him; at all times. Not on Sundays or when convenient. Christianity is not primarily a philosophy or a system of ethics or a religious ideology. It is a relationship to the unsettling person of Jesus Christ. Those simple, uneducated men dropped their nets and followed Jesus because he was the light in a dark world. ...

There is sadness in the world. Will we take part in the world? Imagine if we took Jesus’ invitation to heart for one day. To try for 24 hours being at his heart and walking like him, talking like him and acting like him. Loving like him. ...

Each of us has a capacity for, a desire for reciprocated love that brings us to life. ...

… In my time on earth, I have not stopped child abuse or hunger. I am impatient, have a short temper and hold long grudges. I have not convinced some followers of Christ that no one is excluded from God’s love or table. There is still homelessness, poverty, or hateful rhetoric. ...

Imagine yourself this week next to him and try to drop the nets of your old life, because his life is far greater than any that has ever been. …

Simple fishermen responded to the call, they were smart enough to run to his side. Our hands are filled with the nets of life. Will I, will you hold them, or jump on that counter, lean against him, see your reflection next to his, and then begin walk like him, act like him and talk like him. Only you can make that choice.

Be not afraid. Live Fearlessly in Christ and Go and follow him.