"Who Are You Looking For?"

I greatly enjoy reading the daily Gospel meditations in the book, The Better Part, but some days are “Better” than others.

Today’s Gospel (JN 20:11-18) has Jesus appearing to Mary outside His tomb.  She initially thinks He is the gardener.  Then, He asks her: “Who are you looking for?”

The Better Part (#300) leads you to ponder the bigger picture of that question:  At the beginning of this Gospel of John, Jesus’ first words were: “What are you looking for?”  In today’s Gospel we see that word “what” has been re-focused to “Who”.  We often seek what will better our life here on earth, but the answer is a “Who.”  All we seek in life, whatever that might be, is answered in Him, the “Who.”

Mary had just seen angels at Jesus’ tomb, but she wasn’t satisfied with what they told her, she still sought Him. But while looking about, she didn’t notice Him there, right at her side --- as He is at our side, often unnoticed.  The Better Part reflections note the subtle message in her actions, and how all of us need to continue seeking Him, and to make that quest the direction of our lives.  

“If we truly want the fullness of life that He came to bring us, He will be able to give it to us, because we will be willing to take the risk of leaving behind the comfort of self-centeredness to launch out on the adventure of self-giving.”

Who are you looking for?  The whats which might gain for you everything the earth has to offer, or the Who, who might gain for you everything eternity has to offer?  It’s taken me many years to firmly decide that I will choose the latter option, and not focus on things I might want here on earth, but look forward to what was promised in eternity.

And to attain that, I must get to know Him better.