Come and See: A Graduate's Reflection on Theological Education

The Gospel of John 1:35-42 recalls the invitation Jesus extends to His disciples to come and follow Him and how John the Baptist identifies Him as the "Lamb of God.” Interested to learn more, the men follow Jesus. As they are walking, Jesus turns to them and says, “What do you seek?” They respond, “Rabbi, where are You staying?" Jesus responds, “Come and see.”

I draw upon this passage from the Gospel of John as a theological reflection on both my experiences at St. Bernard’s and my own call to “come and see” – to seek a greater understanding of the Catholic faith, and to know Christ in a more intimate and personal way.

This reoccurring theme in the Gospel of John resonates deeply with me and has become a guiding invitation in my life. It has encouraged me not only to study theology, but to also recognize Christ’s presence in my everyday life. In the Gospel of John, God is always the initiator. He continually reaches out in love by inviting us to a deeper relationship with Him. God is always giving, and we are always receiving. Our role is to respond and seek with open hearts.

Everyone is invited into this relationship of love, but whether and how we respond to this invitation is something freely given. Discipleship begins with accepting this invitation to follow and abide with Him.

The invitation to “come and see” has shaped my life. When we are more open and attentive to the divine, we begin to see everything differently, through the eyes of faith. This awareness has taught me to see myself as Christ’s beloved and has awakened my desire to know Him more fully. My decision to attend St. Bernard’s was a response to these invitations. Through my formation at St. Bernard’s, I have come to know Christ more deeply while also discovering my true identity in Him.

Balancing the demands of work and life with academic responsibilities was not always easy. There were many challenges and sacrifices along the way, but they were unlike any I had experienced because they were rooted in my love of God. Studying at St. Bernard's has proven to be the most rewarding and fulfilling path I could have chosen for myself at this time in my life. Through my theological studies, I experienced a renewal in all things, mind and heart. It helped me change the way I observe the world and others, and even the way I approach my career in healthcare. I have come to truly recognize the dignity of each person more deeply and to view my work not simply as a profession, but as a vocation through which I serve Christ by helping others.

One of the greatest gifts of my time at St. Bernard’s has been becoming part of a welcoming and supportive academic community of professors, staff, and fellow students whose lives bear witness to the Gospel. The encouragement, support, kindness, and generous sharing of their wisdom and knowledge reflect a commitment to drawing others closer to Christ and living out His mission. Their example has inspired me to do the same.

With all that St. Bernard’s has to offer, it comes as no surprise that I am not ready to leave after graduating. Instead, I hope to remain connected to this community by auditing courses and participating in other events and opportunities for continued intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth. I look forward to giving back in whatever ways I can.

“Come and see” in the Gospel of John is an emphasis on faith, love, and a universal invitation to follow Christ that stems from love. It also teaches us to “go and do.” What did Andrew do immediately after encountering Jesus? He went to find his brother, Simon, to share the good news. Our time spent in Christ at St. Bernard’s inspires us to do the same: to go, teach the faith, share Christ with the world, and to go do His work serving others with love, compassion, humility, and through “real” relationships. The Gospel is not only something to be read or studied, but something to be lived. As St. Anselm said, “Faith seeks understanding.” This unfolds after our personal encounter with Christ. Once we respond to Christ’s invitation to “come and see,” we continue to grow in our spirituality through an obedience of faith, prayer, study, and reflection.

St. Bernard’s gives students more than an education in Catholic tradition and teachings: it nurtures a rhythm of faith in which study, prayer, and discipleship become deeply intertwined. The curriculum thoughtfully balances dogmatic and practical theology.

One of the most profound spiritual experiences of my time at St. Bernard’s came through a course on contemplative prayer taught by Professor Lickona, S.T.L., which included a retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee. The retreat course was a grace-filled invitation to step away from the business of everyday life and to spend more time in prayer, reflection, and meeting other students. The peaceful grounds of the Abbey and simplicity of the accommodations created an environment where I was able to begin each day in the presence of God. Free from the usual distractions of life, I learned to quiet my mind and allow God to set the tone of each day.

Our faith reveals that God is love, and this love is agape- the self-giving, divine love made flesh in Jesus Christ. His love is unconditional, eternal, and transformative. Remaining in this love, we trust that God is always leading us to a greater fulfillment in this life and the next. I entered St. Bernard’s with this in my heart; I felt it would have a significant impact on my life, and it did.

My studies have been a harmony of mind and heart, filled with the receptivity expressed in the words “come and see.” One must do theology from the heart. Theology is not merely an intellectual pursuit or something we study. Rather, it is a harmony of the intellect, the will, and the heart, all flowing from one source: love of God. Love is the foundation for Christian life and theology. "Come and see” is not simply an invitation to observe from a distance, but to draw near to Him and encounter Him personally. I have experienced this during my theology program at St. Bernard’s. As I move forward, I hope to share the gifts I have received with others through my vocation and daily life, striving to reflect Christ’s love in all that I do.