In the Gospel passage, we read how on seeing Jesus, John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Suffering Servant prophesied by the prophet Isaiah long ago. On hearing this, his disciples decide to follow Jesus. It was not because John asks them to do so but because they believed in John's testimony. When they meet Jesus, he asks them "What do you seek" and then invites them to "Come and see." They spend the day with him.

Nothing much is said in the passage about what took place during their time with Jesus. But something special must have happened to them. The men who followed Jesus into his house emerged from it as firm believers in Jesus. They were excited that they had encountered the Messiah. Now, as Jesus' disciples, they wanted to share their experience with others.

This Gospel passage has an important lesson for us. That is, there is a big difference between being a follower and being a believer.

Many of us who say we are followers of Jesus may be doing just that - following. As Catholics, we may be merely taking part in the sacraments, following rules and fulfilling obligations. And yet, all these can leave us unexcited and unchanged. To be a believer, however, is to be truly convinced that Jesus is the Messiah. This awareness should constantly excite and transform us. It should constantly make us want to testify to others who Jesus is and what he has done in our lives.

So, are you a follower or a believer?