The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them,"Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:25-42)
Here we are at the beginning of a new year — a great time to prioritize our lives and set new goals. Maybe we've already made some ambitious New Year's resolutions. But we might feel overwhelmed; there are so many resolutions to follow through on, so many things we have committed to for the coming year.
Jesus' question to the two would-be disciples, "What are you looking for?" can help us be more concrete. So many projects and priorities compete for our time and attention; what do you place at the top of the list? What are you seeking? Are they spiritual resolutions? Priorities that have some kind of eternal significance? Or are they other concerns, which may be valid but may not be central to the calling God has given you?
Of all the goals and resolutions that are options for us to choose, which ones are more important? We know that what the world runs after — success, status, and the approval of others — don't really satisfy. So they're easy to put aside. We may next recognize that we need freedom from a pattern of sin that keeps us in bondage, or perhaps a physical healing, or a healing in a relationship. These are clearly worth pursuing. But even above these goals, perhaps we should place the goal of knowing Jesus more deeply. Isn't that ultimately what we are all looking for?
The two disciples standing with John were also looking for something, and the time they spent with Jesus convinced them that he was that something! They began to understand that what God had in store for them was so much more than what they had been seeking.
Let us make the resolution to know Jesus Christ more fully this year — especially through prayer and by immersing ourselves in his word. As we do this he will reveal himself to us and deepen our relationship with him. And in that revelation, so many other aspects of our lives will make more and more sense. Sin will diminish. Peace will overcome anxiety. Joy will replace frustration. We'll have a clearer vision for our lives. In short, we will find not just the things we thought we were looking for, but what we really needed and wanted all along!
Jesus, help me to understand the cry of my own heart. Give me the desire to spend more time with you in prayer and Scriptures. You are the answer I've been looking for! You are the answer to all my needs. I want to know, love, and serve you more in 2007.
Many thanks to The Word Among Us for allowing us to adapt material from daily meditations in their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men
1. What is the status of the New Year's resolutions you have made?
2. In light of the words of this article, which goals and resolutions do you now consider to be most important to you in 2007?
3. How important do you consider your own relationship with Jesus Christ?
4. Do you believe that spending more time in prayer and Scripture reading can deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ? Why or why not? What are some steps you can take to do this?
5. If you are in a men's group, end your meeting by praying for one another that 2007 would indeed be a year when your faith and your relationship with Jesus are deepened. Use the prayer at the end of the article as the starting point.
