Looking for Jesus for the wrong reasons

Good morning, happy Monday, and many blessings. 

In today’s Gospel (John 6:22-29) Jesus chastises the crowds for seeking him for the wrong reasons: they had tried to make him king, now they were following him because he was some kind of celebrity, able to feed thousands with a few loaves of bread. Our world is too easily impressed by the cult of all sorts of celebrities, and I ask for the wisdom to be aware of the motivation of my decisions. Am I really seeking what lasts in my relationships, or am I only after what is frivolous but will soon perish?

The crowds follow Jesus, not because they had grasped the significance of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, but because they had their fill. They did not have the Faith he demands because they did not see beyond the sign and so did not grasp the significance of the miracle.

Can you identify with the attitude of those who followed Jesus across the lake in their desire to ‘see signs’? Putting yourself into the scene, how do you think that you might have reacted?

I notice the energy of the crowds: they go to great lengths to find Jesus. Do I make a similar effort to meet him? Do I give quality time to my prayer? Often, I sit down to pray and simply wait for something to happen! But he is there before me, so let me engage with him, chat with him, ask his advice and help.

The crowds look for Jesus where he was the day before, but he has moved on: so, each day I must try to meet him where he is. Day by day let me notice the disturbing freshness of the Lord.

There is a lot of activity on the side of the lake: boats come and go, the people watch for Jesus, wonder where he might be and set off to find him. But somehow, even when found, Jesus eludes them. He doesn't allow them much satisfaction or relief in catching up with him but calls them to question what is in their hearts. Our prayer teaches us something like this: we will never capture Jesus or pin him down; engaging with Jesus helps us to see what is really in our hearts; our first call is not to do, but to believe.

The crowds ask a simple and profound question: ‘What must we do?’ This is my question also. Jesus tells them that they only must believe in him. ‘Believing’ means I give myself over to him and to his message of truth and love.

The crowd is hungry again and pursues Jesus: they believe he will meet their needs. He tries to deepen their fragile faith in himself. Food for the body is necessary, but the food of eternal life meets a deeper need.

Jesus, I can be like the crowd, seeking only to satisfy my immediate hungers. Forgive the times when I have used you to serve my interests. Remind me that God’s seal is imprinted within me. Let this truth nourish my hungering spirit.

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+