Today's Good News Reflection

"What are you looking for?" This is what Jesus asked two future disciples in today's Gospel reading. It's also what he is asking you and me today, right here, right now.

The first reading contains the warning, "Let no one deceive you." Every person who has ever lived has looked for a Messiah. Everyone wants a deliverer in one form or another -- someone or something to protect them and rescue them from evil.

However, there are so many false gods and so many counterfeits that point us away from God that many people settle for less than what they're looking for.

When I was a teenager, I searched for the God who performed supernatural wonders in the Bible -- "wondrous deeds" like it says in today's responsorial Psalm. Deceived by false prophets, I thought God's powers were found in the various practices of the occult.

After seven years of pursuing him this way, I discovered that I'd been following false gods that led me away from the true God. Jesus intervened and showed me that it is in a relationship with his Holy Spirit, not the occult, where I would experience the supernatural powers of God.

Even though I'd known Jesus throughout my childhood, my occult activities had ruined my friendship with him because, as John wrote, it was the devil's work. My actions were unholy because they relied on sources other than God. The extent to which I had given myself over to Satan's counterfeit spirituality was the extent to which my life belonged to the devil -- even though I did not believe the devil existed!

The occult is full of false gods, and many succumb to its enticements of quick and easy supernatural power. My own son has fallen prey to this; he who was once full of faith and love for the Eucharist has been rejecting Christ since his college days when his curiosity led him to visit the ceremonies of witchcraft covens, among other occult activities. Please pray for him. The day will come when he turns back to Christ! Until then, my heart is pierced as I share in Jesus' pain.

True supernatural faith comes from life in the Holy Spirit and growth in holiness. The Saints who experienced miracles, ecstasies and visions were able to do so because they continually worked at turning from sin and imitating Jesus.

"What are you looking for?" Supernatural love? Whatever loneliness you feel exists because you're looking for love from people more than from God.

Are you looking for a supernatural healing? Miracles usually start with the healing of the soul and then the mind before they reach the body.

Are you looking for an end to your trials? Your Messiah is not a magic genie who snaps his fingers and makes the bad guys disappear. Rather, your Messiah is teaching you to love your enemies and is showing you how to use your sufferings co-redemptively with him while he works on their hearts at whatever speed they can accept.

"What are you looking for?" If it's anything but the true God, put your focus back onto Jesus -- which is truly a supernatural experience!