We are looking for God

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara CSsR

Homily for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

January 15, 2012

Dearest beloved, as we return to Ordinary Time of the year of the Church’s liturgical calendar, the desert preacher, John the Baptist in today’s gospel reading taken John 1:35-42 recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God. In the ancient time, lambs were generally used for sacrifice. By identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God, John was speaking of the redemptive sacrifice that Jesus would perform with his own Life and Blood to bring us reconciliation and salvation. The gospel says that seeing Jesus walked by, John says to his own disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God.” And as soon as John the Baptist made the declaration, two of his disciples who heard him left him and followed Jesus.

The disciples of John, like us, were looking for the Savior and their salvation. John had already told them that he was not Messiah. So, the moment John showed them the Lamb of God, the One they were looking for, they did not hesitate in following him. When Jesus turned and saw them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” The question of Jesus offered them the opportunity to declare their intention. They want to live with Jesus. That is why they answered the Lord’s question with a question, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” 

Jesus’ question to the disciples of John Baptist, “What are you looking for?” is an important question that is still relevant to all Christians and to all people. Beloved in Christ, what are you looking for? Are you with me in  looking for our Savior and salvation? In a world of infidelities, of lies and deceits, the Psalmist tells us that God is a sure foundation, that God is faithful, that he is our Shepherd, he is the one who sets our feet upon a rock making our step secure. 

What are you looking for? What are we looking for? If you are with me, then we are looking for the only God who is faithful. We are looking for the God who bends low and listens to our cry. We are looking for a God who remembers the forsaken, the lonely, the abandoned, the sick, the elderly and the helpless.  We are looking for the God of patience and justice. We are looking for a God whose steadfast love never ceases. We are looking for God who says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” We are looking for the God of mercy and compassion.

Church, what are we looking for? We are looking for God who is so good, who will never leave or forsake us even when we stray from him. We are looking for love, authentic and real love. We are looking for the love that does not hurt. We are looking for God who is love, whose love for us is incomprehensible. We are looking for Jesus our burden-bearer, our healer, our joy, our peace, our blessing, our liberation, our deliverance, our fulfillment, our consolation and comfort. 

As we look for Jesus, Jesus is also looking for us. In fact, he is the one who first initiates this search. And having found us, he says to us today, “Come and see.” Come and see that the Lord is good. Are you hungry and thirsty? Jesus says to you, “Come and see.”

Are you sick? He says to you as well “Come and see”. Are you restless? He says to you, “Come and see.” Are you experiencing any misfortune in your life? “Come and see.” Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. Come and see the Lord your Good Shepherd. He will make you lie down in green pastures. He will lead you beside still waters. He will calm the raging seas in your life with these words: “Peace, be still!” He will refresh your soul. He will guide you all the days of your life.  And even if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will not fear any evil because the Good Shepherd, Jesus is with you. With his rod and staff, he will always comfort you. He will prepare a table before you, even in the presence of your enemies. The Lord will anoint you with oil, and your cup of blessings will over-flow. And all the days of your life, his goodness and mercy will follow you. God’s presence will never depart from you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Whatever your life situation may be, Jesus invites you “Come and see!”