What Are You Looking For?

I love modern technology! Maybe this is because I have spent the bulk of my career surrounded by its bleeding edge innovations, but I am constantly in awe of the immense impact it’s had in our lives. However, it has been said that technology has exceeded our humanity. Well, I don’t know about that, but technology is super cool – especially if you know how to use it.

So, when you want to find a piece of information, what do you do? Do you call or text a family member or friend? Do you go to the library? Do you ‘google it’ or use one of those voice-activated assistants? For example:

“Hey Google, where is the closest Catholic Church to me?” 

“Hey Google, who is Deacon Allen Tatara?” (This would take you to my website.)

Regardless of the method used, in order to receive information, you first need to know what you are looking for.

“Hey Google, tell me more about…” (Typically the response is, “Sorry, I don’t understand.”)

If you are too vague, you’ll get nothing. Or you’ll be left to sift through pages and pages of information until you hopefully find what you’re looking for. This need to find information is something that all of us constantly seek – and we always will.

In our Gospel today (John 1:35-42), there are two disciples of John the Baptist who appear to be searching for something. As Jesus walked by, John points them towards Jesus – and without question, they immediately follow him.

Jesus realizes that he is being followed, so he turns around and asks that deep, thought-provoking spiritual question, “What are you looking for?” That’s probably the same question we’ve asked ourselves dozens of times. (I know that I have.) What are you looking for? What is my purpose in life? What am I being called to do? What do I want to be when I grow up? This is really deep stuff.

Jesus asks, “What are you looking for?” This question was meant to challenge the disciples to state their intentions and declare a direction for their actions. But the two have no answer, so they quickly change the subject by asking another question. “Where are you staying?”

We need to understand that the “where” is not as important as the “with whom.” Jesus responds by saying, “Come and you will see.” This becomes a movement from a “physical place” to a “relationship with a person.” Jesus is inviting them – and us – into an intimate relationship: a seeking, finding, following, staying, and constantly communicating relationship with the Lamb of God. And this relationship leads us to a life of discipleship.

Both Samuel from the first reading and the two disciples from the gospel are called to be disciples, and neither hesitate. This begins a journey that will change their lives forever, bringing them to the limits of their abilities. But they never walk alone as God is always guiding them.

And that is the beauty of being a disciple of Jesus. Even when we cannot see where our own journey is taking us, we believe and have faith that God is right there with us – walking ahead of us and showing us the way.

A life of discipleship is not always an easy path to walk. It requires a great deal of patience and prayer. It’s about constantly being aware of Christ’s presence in our lives and having a complete and total trust in God’s plan for us. It’s about being able to listen to the voice of God at all times and to follow his will.

But we cannot hear the voice of God if we are not listening. Sometimes we follow the path of wrong information instead of listening to our hearts. Sometimes we’re afraid of what God might ask us to do or give up. Sometimes we just feel unworthy, thinking that God doesn’t want to be in a relationship with someone who is bruised and broken.

But God desires to be in a relationship with us. If we take the time to silence ourselves from the constant ‘noise’ that surrounds us and place ourselves in the presence of God, we will eliminate the anger, bitterness, and resentment that clouds our hearts. If we would only allow ourselves to listen for God’s voice, then we will find the true and lasting peace that only Christ can provide.

Jesus calls each one of us by name. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts for us to hear, but Jesus is always calling us – and there is nothing sweeter than hearing our Lord and Savior call us by name. We need to cry out like Samuel, “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.” And God will give us direction, but we need to be able to hear his voice.

Our call to be disciples is more than just coming to know Jesus through his voice and words, but more importantly from his actions. It’s been said that true disciples walked so closely behind their rabbi that they became covered with the dust kicked up from his sandals. You and I, as Jesus’ disciples, are expected to follow Jesus so closely that we will be covered with his whole way of thinking, acting, and living. In other words, we are to be fully immersed in the life of Jesus.

This “Come and you will see” invitation is an opportunity for us to have an ongoing relationship with Jesus. It’s all about the journey: to be with God, to follow in his footsteps, and do what he taught us to do. When we become more aware of God’s presence, we cannot help but to be changed by the one who came to walk not just in front of us, but alongside us.

My sisters and brothers, what are you looking for? I guarantee that you won’t find it on the Internet; and Google, Siri or Alexa won’t be of much help either. We have this spiritual hunger to want more, to learn more, and to grow more. Jesus is inviting us to join him on this amazing journey: to look, listen, and respond to his call to discipleship. The question is far more than “What are you looking for?” It’s “What are you waiting for?”