January 5 2018 - St. John Neumann - "Come and See!"

As the Christmas season draws to a close, our gospel readings over the past few days have had a similar theme. Wednesday, John the Baptist urged us to “"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Yesterday, John again points out Jesus to others, the apostle Andrew goes to his brother Simon Peter to tell him that he has found the Messiah, Jesus too makes the invitation, “Come and see.” Today, Philip goes to Bartholomew with that same invitation “Come and see”.

These readings help to prime us, to prepare us for the final feast of the Christmas season, the feast of the Epiphany, in which wise men travel from afar to seek out the Christ, to gave upon him, to adore him.

It is a good day for some quiet reflection, to reflect on the things we have seen throughout the Christmas season. What were the ways that I saw Jesus this season? Did I see him in a new light? What were the attitudes and behaviors that hindered me from seeing his face?

I saw an article this morning that discussed how more and more young people are describing themselves as joyless, useless, and depressed. The likely culprit is time spent in front of the screen. Time spent seeking out the face of Jesus is never wasted, but the constant pursuit of entertainment and superficial social communication brings a joylessness that even secular science is beginning to warn against.

The last of the saints of the Christmas season is bishop John Neumann. The Collect told us that Bishop Neumann was “renowned for his charity and pastoral service.” For his first few years as a priest he was devoted to working with German immigrants here in the States. After joining the Redemptorists, he was tirelessly devoted to preaching in parishes in the many immigrant communities throughout Maryland, Virginia, and here in Ohio. By age 41, he had become the fourth bishop of Philadelphia and was absolutely devoted to fostering education amongst the Catholic youth.

St. John Neumann also promoted the forty hours devotion, encouraging parishes to gather for the adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. When we seek out Jesus like the wise men, like the apostles, like the blessed mother, we are able to behold his face, and he is able to fill us with peace and joy that nothing in the world can possibly give.

The Lord invites us to put away our worldly distractions and our anxieties to come and see him in charitable service and in eucharistic adoration, let us take him up on his invitation for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For a deeper devotion to the Eucharist among all Catholics, that our Eucharistic worship might inspire non-believers to seek and find the Lord.

That our Catholic schools and PSR programs may be places where the Lord Jesus is sought out and discovered, where faith is instilled and charity is inspired.

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, that many young people may respond generously to the Lord’s call to ordained and consecrated service.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord