Looking for Jesus : Material Needs and Spiritual Needs

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Third Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:22-29*

*First Reading : Acts 6:8-15*

*Looking for Jesus : Material Needs and Spiritual Needs*

*1) People looking for Jesus*

The Gospel of the day has beautiful narration about the  search of Jesus by the people 

When the people didn't find Jesus, they searched for him, in and around of their places

Finally they took the boat and went to the place where Jesus had gone. This shows the interest they had to meet Jesus 

*2) Search for Jesus for material needs*

When the people found Jesus, they were very Happy

Jesus reveals their intention of searching Jesus

Jesus says *I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.*

This shows that people were searching for Jesus for material needs and not for spiritual needs

*3) Jesus on Spiritual needs*

Jesus was trying to communicate the message of the Kingdom of God, through various signs - miracles, healings, preaching etc 

One among them was the feeding of Five Thousand. It was a great miracle, which Jesus performed for multiple reasons 

First of all to feed the people, who were hungry 

Secondly to, show the love, mercy and concern of the heavenly Father

Here Jesus wanted to communicate the greatness of the heavenly values, or Gospel values or Eternal values 

But people were impressed only about the material needs forgetting all the spiritual insights

*4) The search of the people in our context*

Today's context is not totally different from that of the time of Jesus

Most of the people search for Jesus for material needs 

Most of our prayers also depend on asking for various things. At times our prayers consists less of thanksgiving, praising God and being with the Lord and more of asking favours from the Lord 

This is exactly like those people who were looking for Jesus for material needs and forgetting all the spiritual needs

*5) Need of Higher enlightenment*

To look for spiritual needs and to grow in it, one needs higher enlightenment 

Higher enlightenment will help us to understand the value, importance and the need of Spiritual things in our day today life 

Enlightenment will help us to grow in our relationship with God

*6) My Search for Jesus*

All of us search for Jesus for some need, either spiritual or material

But the question is, why do I search for Jesus? 

Is my search limited only when I need the material things? 

When I am fully satisfied with material needs, do I search for Jesus for spiritual needs or I  forget completely? 

Do I feel the need of Spiritual things in my life?

What can I do to increase the desire for Sptitual things?

 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*