The Invitation
By Chesca Cuisia
January 14, 2018
January 14, 2018
"What are you looking for?" This question may be the most intriguing part of today's gospel. Not only does this question ask us of information but also asks us of purpose. In the gospel by St. John, Jesus asks two of John's disciples this question where they answered that they were looking for the Rabbi -- the teacher. But if we reflect on another perspective, is this really the answer to Jesus' question?
If we look more into this inquiry, it would appear as a metaphor. Jesus talks about self-reflection, looking the self in the mirror and finally knowing oneself. The question 'What are you looking for?" asks us for purpose -- our dreams, desires and even our darkest secrets. Only with this can we be with Him in faith. Just like what St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians -- our bodies are the temples of our souls, and of God. Thus, knowing ourselves is like being one with God and defiling it with vices and the likes reciprocates to being unfaithful with Him. Going back to the gospel of St. John, Jesus asks John's disciples to "Come and see." We see this as Jesus extending his hand to us and establishing connection to us, his people and it is only with acceptance and an understanding of 'what we are looking for' can we find Him in us.
But as we think of it, why do we need to settle in finding that answer if we are already invited by Him in his banquet? As an old Filipino saying goes, "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa." It is up to us whether or not we would answer His call and be with Him in his feast. Jesus is not asking us to be faithful but to simply hear Hiss invitation to His royal feast -- for Him to always be with us everyday of our lives; our body and soul as His temple. He is here. Let us aks ourselves, how have we answered Jesus' invitation? Have we sought for Him in our own self? Jesus, you are, indeed, the fountain of salvation; you are my purpose; you are what I am looking for. Please lead me to be in your banquet and feast with You the spiritual food You have offered. Help me to learn to call You and let You be my guide every day of my life. Lamb of God, lead us to eternal life.
If we look more into this inquiry, it would appear as a metaphor. Jesus talks about self-reflection, looking the self in the mirror and finally knowing oneself. The question 'What are you looking for?" asks us for purpose -- our dreams, desires and even our darkest secrets. Only with this can we be with Him in faith. Just like what St. Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians -- our bodies are the temples of our souls, and of God. Thus, knowing ourselves is like being one with God and defiling it with vices and the likes reciprocates to being unfaithful with Him. Going back to the gospel of St. John, Jesus asks John's disciples to "Come and see." We see this as Jesus extending his hand to us and establishing connection to us, his people and it is only with acceptance and an understanding of 'what we are looking for' can we find Him in us.
But as we think of it, why do we need to settle in finding that answer if we are already invited by Him in his banquet? As an old Filipino saying goes, "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa." It is up to us whether or not we would answer His call and be with Him in his feast. Jesus is not asking us to be faithful but to simply hear Hiss invitation to His royal feast -- for Him to always be with us everyday of our lives; our body and soul as His temple. He is here. Let us aks ourselves, how have we answered Jesus' invitation? Have we sought for Him in our own self? Jesus, you are, indeed, the fountain of salvation; you are my purpose; you are what I am looking for. Please lead me to be in your banquet and feast with You the spiritual food You have offered. Help me to learn to call You and let You be my guide every day of my life. Lamb of God, lead us to eternal life.