Gentle words open a doorway into a relationship reflects Offaly columnist

“Come and see.” (John 1:39). Sometimes the most life-changing words in Scripture are the simplest. Jesus does not overwhelm His first disciples with a sermon, a demand, or a complex theological explanation. He simply invites: “Come and see.” These three gentle words open a doorway into a relationship. They are not a command. They are a welcome. They are the language of friendship and encounter. They invite us to draw closer, to step toward the One who has already stepped toward us.

Many of us know about Jesus. We grew up with the stories. We can recite the prayers. We know the rituals and the seasons. But the call to “Come and See” asks for something much deeper: not information, but transformation; not observing from afar, but entering personally into the life of Christ. Isaiah echoes the same invitation: “Seek the Lord while He may be found.” (Isaiah 55:6) The Psalmist urges us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) And in the New Testament we hear, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). Faith is not a theory. Faith is an encounter. Faith is time spent with Jesus—listening, watching, discovering, resting, receiving, and ultimately following.

Jesus’ first words: “What do you want?”

As we journey deeper into Advent, St. John’s Gospel invites us to stand alongside the first disciples. John the Baptist points toward Jesus and proclaims: “Look, there is the Lamb of God.” (John 1:36) Two of his followers begin to trail behind Jesus, unsure of what will happen next. Jesus turns, He always turns toward those who seek Him and speaks His first recorded words in John’s Gospel: “What do you want?” This is a breathtaking moment. Before any teaching, before any healing, before any miracle, Jesus begins with a question that pierces the human heart. He does not ask for credentials or worthiness.

He does not begin with commandments or expectations. He asks each of us the same gentle, searching question: What do you really desire? What do you ache for? What do you long to find? The disciples respond not with a tidy answer but with curiosity: “Rabbi… where do you live?” Jesus’ reply becomes the heartbeat of discipleship: “Come and see.” This invitation is not historical, it is present. It is alive. It is addressed to you and to me today. Jesus invites us to come and see Him: in the quiet stillness of Eucharistic Adoration, in the sacrament of Reconciliation where grace restores and renews, in our parish community gathered at Mass, in sacred Scripture, in the poor, the lonely, the homeless, the refugee, the suffering, in our own prayer where God whispers in the silence and in the ordinary moments of our daily lives where love takes on flesh again and again.

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Living “come and see” in a busy world

Our world is overflowing with noise, news, messages, notifications, schedules, expectations. Many feel overwhelmed, overstretched, or quietly lonely. Even among neighbours, conversations about faith can feel awkward or unusual. Yet beneath the surface of ordinary life, countless people are searching for hope, for meaning, for connection, for God. Inviting someone to church can feel daunting. We worry we might be judged, misunderstood, or dismissed. And yet, God often works through the smallest gestures. Not long ago, I invited a friend to Mass. The reply surprised me, “I didn’t think you’d want me to come.” Many hearts are waiting for someone—just one person—to ask. Sometimes the only thing standing between a soul and an encounter with Christ is a simple invitation, “Would you like to come and see?”

Tullamore “Come and See” event

Once again, this year, the “Come and See” event will take place in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, on Sunday, December 21, from 3pm–6pm. Inspired by the global Nightfever initiative, this event transforms our church into a sanctuary of welcome, peace, and prayer. Volunteers step into the streets to invite passers-by. Guests are offered a candle to light. They may stay a moment or an hour. Inside, soft Christian music fills the church. The Eucharist is exposed for silent adoration. Priests are available for Reconciliation. There is space to leave prayer intentions, receive counsel, or simply sit and breathe in the presence of God. Each candle becomes a visible prayer. Each visitor becomes a story of grace. Each invitation becomes an act of evangelization, hope, and friendship. We hold fast to God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). The event is a pause in the rush of December—a holy space where the noise of life recedes and the voice of Christ becomes clear.

The power of invitation

To invite someone to church is not a burden. It is a privilege. St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us: “Christ has no body but yours; No hands, no feet on earth but yours.” Every smile, every candle offered, every word of welcome becomes a way Christ touches another heart. Evangelization is often not dramatic—it is tender, personal, simple. Through small gestures, we preach the Gospel without ever raising our voices.

The door of the inn — and the door of our hearts

Each Advent and Christmas we return to Bethlehem. We imagine the doors that remained shut, the homes too crowded, the hearts too distracted. And yet God found a way. He always does.

Christ still knocks today, on our routines, our worries, our busyness, our reluctance. Sometimes we say: “There is no room.” But other times, even with hesitation, we open the door—and grace floods in. Advent reminds us, There is always room to say yes. There is always room to welcome Christ. There is always room to welcome others.

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A story to guide us

A beloved story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book captures this beautifully. Wally, a shy boy, played the innkeeper in his parish Christmas play. His one line was scripted: “I’m sorry, we’ve no room.” But when Joseph pleaded for shelter for Mary, Wally’s heart overwhelmed the play. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out: “Wait! Please come back… you can have my room. Come and see!” Wally broke the script, but he revealed the Gospel. He made room. He welcomed Christ. This Advent, we ask ourselves, Is there room in my heart? Is there room for Jesus, room for compassion, for forgiveness, for generosity, for those who suffer in a wounded world? Every act of mercy, justice, hospitality, or tenderness reveals Christ to someone who may not yet know His name. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it for Me.” (Matthew 25:40). When we open our hearts, our homes, and our parish doors, we reflect the heart of Jesus Himself.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, "Come and See Jesus" this weekend and this Christmas season. Set aside a few sacred minutes this week. Light a candle. Sit quietly. Let the Lord speak to your heart. Invite Someone to "Come and See". Ask a friend, neighbour, colleague, or family member to join you for the “Come and See” event on 21st December, 3pm–6pm, at the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore. Offer them the gift of encountering Christ. Be the Body of Christ. Serve someone. Encourage someone. Forgive someone. Pray for someone. Let your life be a living candle—shining long after you leave the church. Let me leave you with one of my prayers: “Come to Me when your burdens are heavy, and I will give you rest. Come to Me in your loneliness—I will be your Friend. Come to Me with your sins—I will forgive you. Come to Me when you are confused—I will be your Way, your Truth, and your Life. Come to Me when you feel lost—for I am your Shepherd. Come to Me in your hunger—for I am the Bread of Life.” Yes, Lord—we hear You. We accept Your invitation. Help us to “Come and See” today, tomorrow, and every day. Amen.