Seeking God
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Lectionary: 65
Today’s Gospel selection is a bit unfortunately chosen. The beginning of the thirty fifth verse of the first chapter of John does not begin as I read it today as “John was standing with two of his disciples…” Rather, it begins: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples…”
This was not the first time that John the Baptist saw Jesus and said “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Indeed, it was just the day before that John said exactly the same thing to his disciples. John was the same. Jesus was the same. But John’s disciples were not the same. Somehow, today, their ears were opened.
John’s disciples were seeking the messiah. They knew he was coming. They had been prepared by John’s preaching, and responded with repentance. They had prepared their hearts, and were ready to welcome him.
And yet, they did not recognize him. I wonder how often God is right in front of my face, and I do not see.
Their master, John, told them “Behold, the Lamb of God… “ but they did not hear, and did not see.
The first time God called, Samuel thought it was Eli calling in the night. The second time God called, Samuel thought it was Eli calling in the night. The third time God called, Samuel thought it was still the old man calling him in the night.
Samuel was sleeping. He was around eleven years old, and not seeking the Lord actively. He was simply resting there in the temple of God. He was sleeping in the temple of God, where the ark of God and God’s glory dwell. And yet, although he was sleeping right there in the temple where God was dwelling, he never dreamed that God would speak.
Sometimes we are so busy with our seeking that we don’t see what is right before us, even when someone points it out.
Sometimes we are simply oblivious. I wonder how often God calls us but we do not see and we do not hear.
For me, I think it is very often.
That’s OK. God is patient with us.
The fourth time God spoke, Samuel was prepared to listen and to obey. Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him. He became a prophet known throughout all the country, a leader of the people of God, and even greater than Moses in many respects. He led them in battle and in peace, and eventually anointed both king Saul and king David.
The second day, Saint Andrew and Saint John saw Jesus walk by and listened to what John the Baptist was saying. They did not know Jesus yet, but they followed him anyway. They didn’t know much, but they knew that this was the one they should follow. Jesus turned and saw them. He did not slip away as he did when the crowds came to kill Jesus or to crown Jesus king. He simply invited them to come and see who he was, and where he was going. They became Apostles, and great saints.
I think that all of us have at least one time in our lives where we are looking for God. While we are searching, it seems impossible that we would find God. We hear the prophets, the scriptures, and the preachers tell us that God is searching for us, but that is difficult to believe when we cannot find God. How could we feel so far away, if God is indeed searching for us. Here we are! How can God not find us if we are not hiding from God, and are even searching for God?
I think that most of us have at least one time in our lives where we are not seeking for God. We are simply oblivious.
That’s OK. God is patient with us. God wants to be found by us. The one we are seeking is also seeking us. The one we do not know to seek is seeking us.
Until we find and are found, this seems impossible. Once we find and are found, it is undeniable.
Today marks the second Sunday in ordinary time. We are at the beginning of a new season. Christmas is behind us, Easter is not yet. Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Seek him. Follow him. Go where he goes, and learn from him. Do you think you may hear God’s voice? Respond – allow a conversation to begin.
I would like to suggest something to help in your search. Father Mike Schmitz started a podcast at the beginning of this year. He is reading and reflecting on a few chapters of the Bible each day. If you listen to him every day, you will have heard the entire Bible read to you at the end of the year. It is recorded, so if you miss a day, that’s ok – just pick up where you left off. I have been listening to him each evening with my wife, and find it both informative and enjoyable. I wish it were available in Spanish – I could really use the practice – but it is only in English right now.
Search for The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz S C H M I T Z or simply for Schmitz bible podcast, and you will find it. It is available on the internet at bibleinayear.fireside.fm, on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, and on Google podcasts.
However you do it – continue to seek God. Our God is a seeking God. Our God is searching for you, and you will not be disappointed when you are found.
