“Come and see.”

These words of invitation were spoken to Nathanael by his brother Philip after his initial encounter with Jesus (John 1:46). It is also an invitation to us all. Who is this Jesus? “Come and see.”

Perhaps you are not a believer. Jesus invites you to begin a journey with him. His message is simple. The problems facing our world and you as an individual are rooted in sin – a disunity with God our Creator. Jesus came into the world with a mission: to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He lived a perfect life, suffered and died for us (Romans 5:8), and rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25). You and all of us are invited to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Start this journey of forgiveness and new life. If you aren’t sure, give it a try: simply “come and see” who this Jesus is and what his Church is all about.

Maybe you are already a Christian, but not a Catholic. “Come and see” are words to encounter Christ at a deeper level by full communion with the one Church he established (Matthew 16:18). Maybe you are Catholic but haven’t been to church in a long time. The Lord is patiently waiting for your return. And like the father in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), he would welcome you not with anger but with loving, open arms. “Come and see!”

You could be a regular churchgoing Catholic, attending mass each and every Sunday. But maybe you aren’t taking full advantage of the sacramental life of the church. “Come and see” can be an invitation to a closer walk with Christ. Beyond our Sunday obligation and receiving communion, pray frequently, attend mass during the week (not just on Sunday), study the Bible, and participate in what the Apostle Paul called the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18): the sacrament of confession. Many feel anxiety about confessing their sins to a priest. But while a good examination of conscience is never comfortable, it can be comforting. After all, confession is a sacrament of healing (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1421). Take advantage of it on a regular basis and you will experience great comfort and a closer relationship with the Lord. “Come and see!”