"Come and see". They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. . .

Sports people know that it takes much hard work and discipline to break records. But those who have gotten to the top will tell us that it is even more difficult to remain there. They have learnt from experience the fundamental principle of all fields of endeavour: maintenance requires more effort than initial achievement. And the same can be said of our relationships, including our relationship with God.

Many of us can remember our conversion experiences: times when we experienced God in such a significant way that it changed our whole way of life. Like the first disciples, we came and saw where Jesus was staying. And perhaps we even remained with Him that day. These grace-filled times are important, even essential to our lives of faith. But our readings today, remind us of the need to remain always with the Lord, not to be led astray, but to persevere in our relationship with Him. This is perhaps the more difficult task, simply because it requires ongoing fidelity, alertness and commitment, and also the willingness to allow ourselves to be picked up when we fall.

At times like these, perhaps we need to recall our initial God-experiences and ask for grace to remain with the Lord for the rest of the day and beyond.