What are you looking for?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 4 January*

*Gospel : Jn 1:35-42*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 3:7-10*

*“What are you looking for?”*

*1) An Important Question*

This particular question which appears in today's Gospel shouod make us to pause for a while and to reflecti about the same 

In fact we need to seriously reflect about this question, since this question includes the purpose of our life, the mission of our life, the orientation of our life and the purpose of our life 

In this context this particular question becomes very important one to our life 

*2) The disciples of John*

John gave the identity of Messiah to His disciples 

Then immediately, they followed the Lamb of God 

In fact those disciples were looking for Messiah

They were looking for his close experience 

They were looking for his residence 

They were looking to stay with Him for a spiritual experience 

They were searching for the one who will give meaning to thier life 

*3) What are we looking for?*

One of the fundamental questions of our life

In my life, what is that I am really searching for or looking for? 

It may be a difficult question to answer in one word. Yet we need to find an answer for this question 

*4) Two approaches*

There are two approaches to this question. Positive or spiritual outlook. Negative or Worldly out look 

Spiritual out look 

I may be looking for the following things 

Looking for God experience

Looking for encounter with the Lord

Looking to serve others 

Looking to help others 

Looking for an opportunity to do good 

Looking for the needy people 

Looking for to find who am I? 

Looking for my own conscience 

Looking for prayerful life 

All these are spiritual things 

*Negative or Worldly things*

Looking for power 

Looking for position 

Looking for wealth 

Looking for money 

Linking for domination

Looking for pleasure 

Looking for worldly things 

*5) My Life : What I am looking for?*

As a follower of Jesus what I am looking for? 

Am I looking for Jesus? 

Am I looking for his values? 

Am I looking for the opportunities to serve the needy?

Am I looking for justice and truth? 

Am I looking for a good relationship with God, neighbor  and oneself?

Am I looking at my own conscience? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*