CATHOLIC FRONT: SEEK HIM FIRST

SEEK HIM FIRST

(Easter Post)

"I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Christ-Seeking Spirit

The Christ-seeking spirit of Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18) is not only spectacular but exemplary. For her, Jesus was not Lord only when he was alive and working miracles, but also when he was "dead" and lying in the tomb. We also recall the Christ-waking cry of the Apostles amid the roaring storms in the high seas. (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus was "asleep" at the rear of the boat, but he heard the desperate cry of his Apostles and awakened to save them from the violent storms and waves.

The symbolisms are remarkable: the boat is the Church, the sea is the world, the storms are the oppositions and challenges of life, the waves are the trials and the tribulations we face; and the tomb stands for chronic problems and desperate life situations. In all these conditions the risen Christ is present; but unfaithful and dormant Christians cannot find with him. Only those who truly seek Christ and call on him with all their heart will find him (Jeremiah 29:12-14; Luke 2: 43 - 49; Deuteronomy 4:29).

"Seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33)

Whom Do You Want?

The scripture says: ""Woman, why are you crying?" Jesus asked her. "Who is it that you are looking for?" She thought he was the gardener, so she said to him, "If you took him away, sir, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him."" (John 20:15). Let us take particular note of the question which Jesus asked to Mary Magdalene and the answer that she gave to Jesus. For it is the key to encounter Jesus in any situation. So when you sit in the church, attend a crusade, go to a retreat, fast or spend a vigil night etc ; be able to identify whom you are looking for. Are you looking for Jesus Christ? Or are you looking for a marriage partner, a job, business success, healing, deliverance, wealth, visa etc. Yes, of course, these things are very important - but only God can provide (Matthew 6:31-32).

Seek God First

If you look for Jesus, the one who provides these needs then he will give you, but if you set out only for these things you may never get them because they can not make themselves. (Mt 6:33).

So better seek the Kingdom of God, first; and then receive all these things, according to the will of God (Matthew 6:31-33).Do not be foolish by following the false prophets, for miracles - because you will end up regretting. (Matthew 6:31-33; 24:23-26, 28).

Jesus is alive forever: even in the tombs of our limitations, miseries and sorrows - Jesus is Lord! Let us keep loving and seeking him - with all our hearts; and do not despair. So it is written: "Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).

See and Testify

And until you find Jesus you can not rightly testify his resurrection in your own life. Mary Magdalene first came to the tomb but did not see him. So she went and gave a wrong testimony, "His body has been taken away" (John 20:2), she said. Then Peter and John followed her to the tomb; but they, too, did not find Jesus. And they left. But Mary Magdalene stayed on, to testify to her love for Jesus "You will seek me and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). That was why Jesus showed himself to her and also sent her to witness to his resurrection. (John 20:17-18).

Know the Secret

Here there is a deep secret of faith. Jesus Christ is risen and lives forever. He is alive and active, not only in the Church but also everywhere; even in your "tomb". For you have been baptized into his death and resurrection. But only those who seek him may find him. No one can find him unless he shows himself to them. The condition is clear - love him and testify to your love - by obedience to his commandments and by putting his teachings in practice (John 14:21,23).

Love is of God. And we can not deceive God or pretend to love him - for he knows everything we think, say or do. So each time we pray, let us first ask God for the grace of love; for he says, "Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name (John 16 : 24). Thus by loving him we will find him, and by finding him we will have all we need - because he is the only giver of every good thing (James 1:17).

Let us pray:

May our undying faith and deep love of God lead us to encounter the risen Lord and take us forth from mere disciples to zealous witnesses of the living Christ in the world, Amen. Happy Easter !

Catechist and Evangelist;

CATHOLIC FRONT MEDIA;

Contact Email : frontcatholic@gmail.com

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