by Sister Madonna Swintkoske
In today’s Gospel John points out Jesus to two of his disciples. As a true follower of Jesus he directs them to Jesus, not to himself. His goal was to draw them to Christ. There was no jealousy in him that they followed Jesus instead of him.
Jesus turns and addresses them with the question: “What are you looking for?" Jesus met them half way. He made it easier for them by opening the door for them with a question. He was asking them about their heart’s desire.
Today I am invited to ask myself the question: What am I looking for? What is my heart’s desire? What am I trying to get out of life?
To answer the question I need to ask first (as Andrew and the disciple with him did), “Where are you (Christ) staying?" I am not asked to speak on the road in passing as a chance acquaintance; but to linger longer, to “come and see”, to reflect about it with a loving God. Then in God’s loving embrace and mercy, and open to love I can respond to the question.
Thank for the great reflection questions. And may we always look to follow Jesus.
Thanks for your wonderful sharing. It was so nice to see you & all the Sisters for Mass on January 3rd. We are in the midst of another Snow storm. I think Spring begins March 20th!
God Bless You & a Blessed 2018 to you & all the "God Sisters. Fr. Bill
I need to do some soul searching to see what I am looking for. Thanks for the reflection.
" ... deep learning comes from pondering ... "
(ponder) "... to linger longer ... " " ... to reflect about it ... "
to contemplate in the presence of a Loving God ....
I have to wonder if Mary, mother of JESUS, was the first Contemplative ... and if so, what is it the disciples learned from her disposition toward Life - and toward the Mystery of her child-become-Man ...
And I wonder what WE can learn from this woman,
this life-bearer, this contemplative-par-excellence ...
Those are some of my pondering questions today ...
Luke 2:19 (three translations - note the nuance of the words used: 'treasured,' 'kept,' 'hid ...' Makes me ask myself: "What are MY inner hidden treasures .... When and how am I meant to use them ... ?")
1) Mary treasured all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
2) Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
3) Mary hid all these words in her heart and thought about them often.
Good reflection questions. Thanks! Yes, we are not just passing on the road, but asked to "linger longer" with Jesus.
Very good reflection questions. I believe everyone should think on these seriously. It will then relax the mind & soul. Jesus is always with me. Thank you sisters.