[Today’s
message is inspired by the passage in John 1:38, where Jesus the rabbi asks of
his followers “What are you looking for?” and the theme of Sunday Mass homily
from Fr. John Paul Mary, M.F.V.A.]
Indeed,
what are we looking for?
To
clarify that question in our minds, we need to find respite - to go into a type
of retreat. Because our faith can be like a flickering candle, as it encounters
everyday challenge and sometimes sputters.
This
can be a sacred time. Light a candle. Trust its steadiness. Let it illuminate
your heart to what is important to you. Let it draw you to teachings which
inspire you... words which help you identify with your innermost yearnings.
Sometimes
we need to repent of our shortcomings. Catholics pray “I confess to Almighty God and to you my
brothers and sisters that I have sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in
what I have done and in what I have failed to do.”
Lies,
deceptions, betrayals, doubts, fears, retribution, resentment, guilt, and shame
can all be laid at the feet of our Creator, and our encounter will become a
dialogue to keep our candlelight steady and strong.
The
season of Advent has reminded us that “Emmanuel” means God with us. The flame
of our faith, our first love, our love of self and the God within us, is meant
as our gift to the world. Renewing and restoring it will give us new hope, and
allow us to go back out into our daily lives with vigor and goodness.
How
can we respond to this beckoning to come away and sit with our God who has
revealed himself in ourselves and in each other?
What
is our response to the rabbi who asks “What are you looking for?”
“The only thing to
seek in contemplative prayer is God; and we seek Him successfully when we
realize that we cannot find Him unless He shows Himself to us, and yet at the
same time that He would not have inspired us to seek Him unless we had already
found Him.” – Thomas Merton
Wow - I agree. This was my quote for today:
ReplyDelete“Do not fear. I am with you, always.
-God
Isaiah 41:10
Love it! I have asked myself this question frequently in the past few years. I do find myself lighting candles. �� Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAh, I love this.
ReplyDeleteIt’s amazing how frequently Jesus likely asked this question or its equivalent of those who sought him out:
What are you looking for?
What do you want me to do for you?
How badly do you want this?
Do you want to be made well?
I think a majority of Christians might not imagine Jesus would be concerned with a person’s input.
What a beautiful question to ask any seeker:
What are your expectations?
I remember my mother talking about a book she read called The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton. She was so impressed by it. Maybe I will put the Seven Story Mountain and Thoughts in Solitude on my reading list; a list that is getting way too long.
ReplyDeleteNice going and great idea, Alexis. Will be quite the journey I’m sure!
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ReplyDeleteThomas Merton - wise words from a great teacher. ����thank you.
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