look!

What are you looking for?

In the right now?

In the new year to come?

In life in general?

This pause-worthy question is posed to us by Jesus in the very first chapter of the Gospel of John. We read that Jesus, “...turned and saw them (John’s two disciples) following him” and asked this very question.

Perhaps Jesus had wandered down a lonely alley to lead them to a quiet place--or even further, out into the desert. We don’t really know. I love that Jesus stopped, turned around and caught them following Him. Their hearts must have been pounding! Imagine curiously sneaking after Jesus because your heart was so on fire after seeing Him pass by, only to have Him surprise you and ask, “What are you looking for?” The seeker is suddenly being sought after-- the loving gaze that embraced all of their fears, the warmth and depth of His voice, the same voice that called the sun, moon and stars into being… Oh to think of it!

He invited them to “come!” and they did! That simple invitation forever changed their lives, and should ours as well. They followed Him and brought others to follow after Him too.

I know for myself the answer to “What are you looking for?” seems to have changed over the years, but truthfully, the answer in it’s essence is always the same. “Jesus.”

Again and again, I have thought that I was after one thing, only to find that it was Jesus and His ways that were truly what I was seeking. I have kicked and screamed and demanded my own way, only to discover my way leaving me with a handful of smoke-- only an illusion of what I truly was seeking.

When I give into The WAY, the loving ways of my Lord, my life is full and satisfying. It works beautifully. He blesses it beyond my wildest dreams because my heart and soul are at peaceful rest as I lay my head on His chest and stop searching for “other.”

I have been challenged to pray the rosary every day of 2017, and if not the whole rosary--one decade-- or at the very least-- one Hail Mary. Why do I bring this up? Because the Blessed Mother always points us to Jesus. And with her she brings a powerful and persuasive presence. Go to my FACEBOOK PAGE and daily pray with me. I will be asking friends, family, strangers on the street-- anyone I know-- to say a Hail Mary with me. If we aren’t “FB Friends”--friend me. Like it and SHARE IT! We can all pray together...and who knows...you may be one of the ones I run into!

John’s disciples were seeking “the Lamb of God”--the One Who takes away our sins and makes our life work--the One Who brings fullness of joy, peace and love. What are you after? Let’s seek Him, like they did, with their determined drive and deep desire to follow Him. My own heart is pounding out…”I MUST be His...I MUST be His...I MUST be His…” Join me in this quest. Let’s pray and ask the Blessed Mother to turn our hearts to Jesus, for He is what for which we are truly looking.

“When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me…” Jeremiah 29:13-14.

My intention for this prayer is that my heart’s desire be seeking Him above all other people or things in 2017 and that I would know that He is enough.

“Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.”