Whenever hearing the Gospel proclaimed, I am always moved when Jesus asks a question, such as: “What are you looking for?” It is a question addressed to each one of us and I presume the answer, on many levels, would vary from one person to another.
I also believe there are some answers that would be the same for all of us as we acknowledge “what we are looking for” at this moment in our history, in our nation and in our communities especially with the recent celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
No doubt, as we recall the tragic events in Charlottesville and others throughout our nation, we are certainly “looking for” the eradication of every form of prejudice, bigotry and racism.
No doubt, as we peacefully March for Life in our nation’s capital, marking the horrific decision legalizing abortion, we are certainly “looking for” the protection of every human life from conception to natural death.
No doubt, as we hear harsh and unacceptable language and rhetoric from those in authority and/or in any sphere of life, we are “looking for” an unfailing respect for the dignity of all human persons.
No doubt, as we witness so much division in our country, workplaces and schools, we are “looking for” unity where people live together in peace.
Dr. King once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
Dear friends, we believe that Jesus is the true Light and the perfect revelation of Love, the One in whom we find what we are “looking for.” In faithfulness to His commands and ways, our hopes and dreams are fulfilled. So what is He asking of us? As we listen to God’s Word today, I wish to highlight three specific challenges He is extending. They involve: listening, rejoicing and following.
Listening. God speaks to us just as He did to Samuel in our First Reading. Thus, how essential it is that we do not say: “Listen Lord, your servant is speaking” but rather: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” In the midst of the darkness of our world and lives and in our continual searching, God speaks words of reassurance, encouragement, instruction and guidance. Perhaps in your prayer life, God is asking you to dedicate more time to being still and quiet and listening to the message he speaks to your heart.
Rejoicing. St. Paul reminds us of a truth that we can often forget: “We are temples of the Holy Spirit — all of us, without exception. Imagine if we rejoiced always in that Good News; if we were in awe of that reality at every stage, with God; grace, would be protected; all persons would be respected; we would live together as the Body of Christ and nothing would divide us. That is why we continue to keep the dream of Dr. King alive; that is why we March for Life and never tire of proclaiming that all people are “temples of the Holy Spirit,” children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Following. In Christ Jesus, we find “what we are looking for” and discover the path to the peace, unity and love. Thus, we are called to follow His example, the One who treated all people with compassion and respect; the One who forgave those who offended Him; the One who reached out to those in most need, especially the poor, vulnerable and outcast; the One who came to serve rather than to be served. Each and every day, wherever God situates you, there is an opportunity to be an instrument of His peace; to radiate His light; and to imitate His love if only you follow His example.
We are “looking for” a world in which the darkness is conquered by light; where hatred in quenched by love; where all of life is protected and all people live together in peace.
Our prayers, hopes and dreams are fulfilled only in union with Christ and in faithfulness to the call we have received. Listen to Him in the quiet of fervent and daily prayer. Rejoice in knowing we are temples of the Holy Spirt and brothers and sisters in Christ. Follow Him today and always. Amen.
