What Are You Looking For?

January 4, 2008

Memorial of Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God. 1 John 3:9

Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." John 1:37-38

Piety

"If I am right Thy grace impart still in the right to stay. If I am wrong Oh, teach my heart to find the better way." A Prayer by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/010408.shtml

As we encounter Jesus, like any friend, He engages us in conversation. He wants to know our wants and needs, our motivations and intentions, our goals and ideals. He does not want us to just treat this relationship as some superficial acquaintance. Nor will Jesus just be a casual friend with us. He wants to get to know us and he wants us to follow him.

Just like any family relationship or friendship, that requires two things: talking over important issues and spending time together. Today, we see that dialog begin with the disciples and Jesus. This interaction also leads to them spending time together as they accept Jesus' invitation. "Come, and you will see."

Yesterday, John the Baptist spoke about the Spirit remaining in Jesus. Today, John the Evangelist writes about God's seed remaining in us. Permanence. When we accept His invitation, we do not just attend some casual party. We partake in a very special meal. Jesus shares his very Body and Precious Blood with us. Once he does that, we are united with Him. Not just for the hour we are at Church. Not just for that week but for a lifetime.

Action

We get invitations all the time, especially now during the holidays. Accept God's invitation to be his children. Extend that invitation to others in service and love.