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What Are You Looking For?
Jan
18
Written by:
Sunday, January 18, 2009
2nd Sunday Ordinary Time
January 18, 2009
The two disciples heard what John had said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for? They said to him, "Rabbi...where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see."
John 1:35-37
What are you looking for? There are times in our lives when a seemingly chance encounter changes everything. That's the way it was with Peter and Andrew in this Sunday's gospel, when five words from Jesus changed everything. John the Baptist spotted Jesus walking by and said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" So Peter and Andrew took off, following behind Jesus. Maybe they kept a distance hoping that Jesus wouldn't notice he was being followed! But Jesus does notice. He suddenly stops walking, turns around and asks the question, "What are you looking for?"
What are you looking for? It's a good question, isn't it? How would you answer it? What if Jesus asked you that question? The sad part about it is that many people have never even asked themselves this question; and the dangerous thing is that we may not be aware of the importance of the choices that we are making, because we don't know what we are really looking for.
What are you looking for? It is important that we ask ourselves this question periodically, because people generally do tend to find that which they are looking for in the end. For example, if what I really want is to always have my own way, I may get it but this may also include a divorce or having very few friends! If I am looking to find fulfillment through collecting more and more stuff or making more and more money or adding to the square footage of my home, I may well get these things, but they will not satisfy me in the end. It may even make me miserable!
What are you looking for? God wishes us to very careful about what-or who--we are choosing in life, what we are becoming. We are put on earth for a certain period of time, with talents and people around us, opportunities, and a free will. When our time is up, and all of this comes to an end, the Lord will return to us the sum of our choices! For where we will be and what we will be in the next life depends on what – or who – I am seeking in this one.
What are you looking for? The key to this is balance. Am I making time for prayer each day? Do I attend Mass each week? Am I a kind person toward others? Am I holding onto unforgiveness? Do I share from what I have been given? How would others really describe me if they are honest? The answers to questions like these will help us to discover if we are indeed primarily looking for the Lord-or something else.
Father Gary
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