People's Search for Jesus*

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Third Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:22-29*

*First Reading : Acts 6:8-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30*

*People's Search for Jesus*

*1) Seeking Jesus with Mixed Motives*

The people were seeking Jesus, but not necessarily for spiritual reasons. 

Since they had eaten sufficiently, when Jesus performed miracle for feeding five thousand, they were looking for material favours 

This invites us to examine our own motivations for seeking God. 

Do we come to Him for material blessings or out of genuine desire to know and follow Him?

*2) Jesus Draws People to Himself*

Jesus had settled in Capernaum and made it a center of His Galilean ministry. 

His presence naturally drew people—through His teachings, healings, and authority.

God’s presence draws hearts, and Capernaum symbolizes that place where divine light shines amid daily life. 

Do we recognize the places in our lives where Jesus is present and drawing us closer?

*3) Capernaum as a Symbol of Divine Encounter*

Although many miracles occurred there (Matthew 8–9, Mark 2), Jesus later rebuked Capernaum for its unbelief:

*And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades...”* (Matthew 11:23)

This is a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus is not the same as faith in Jesus. 

We may be close to spiritual experiences, but without conversion and belief, the opportunity can be wasted.

*4) Jesus Redirects the Search*

In John 6, Jesus takes the people's physical hunger and uses it to teach about spiritual hunger:

*“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life...”* (John 6:27)

He shifts their focus from earthly needs to eternal truths. 

This reflection challenges us to ask: What  do we hunger for? 

Are we seeking Jesus for who He is, or for what He can give?

*5) My Search*

Search for Jesus in my life should take prime place in everything that we do 

Am I seeking Jesus for what He can give me—or for who He is? 

When Jesus challenges my understanding or asks for trust, do I still cling to Him, or do I turn away?

Do I seek Jesus persistently, even when He feels “hidden”? 

Do I carve out quiet time like He did?

Am I open to conversion, or do I want Jesus to fit into my existing plans?

Do I trust that Jesus is near, even when I don’t feel Him?

Do I believe that His presence is what I truly need?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*