Lectionary readings for today: 
Morning: Ps. 22; 148
Evening: Ps. 105; 130
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). -John 1:35-42
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus notices two disciples watching him and then following him. Jesus stops, turns, and asks them, “What are you looking for?”
Imagine Jesus looking at you and then asking you, “What are you looking for?” What would you say? Take a moment right now and think about this question: “What are you looking for?” What do you look for that will make you happy? or fulfill your life? or give you deep satisfaction? What are you looking for that Jesus may be able to give to you, or do for you, or help you accomplish? How will that change your life? Is there something that you might receive that will redirect your life or re-sort your priorities or reconfirm the path you are on?
[Sometimes I think that one of the reasons we secretly do not pray as much as we (say we want to) do, is that we have worked too hard to get our lives just the way we like them. We don’t need some “answer to prayer” that will disrupt our comfortable status quo. <wink>]
IF there is any time when we are encouraged to let down our guard, open up to God and the possibilities that prayer can bring us, it is the season of Lent. Prayer takes courage. Openness to God can rearrange our lives. Be brave anyway.
I have been fortunate over the last dozen years or so to able to attend a week-long retreat each August along the shores of Lake Tahoe, Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Having the luxury of multiple days with other retreat “companions,” I have time and space to be open and “take stock” of myself. This is when I make my “new year resolutions.” Lent, I find, is a good time for a mid-year “course correction” when I reconsider my “resolutions” and priorities and commitments. Jesus’ question “What are you looking for?” is very helpful. As you ponder the question, let your life be the answer.
Let me be enriched today, Guiding Spirit, by your presence, by your movement, by your embrace and by your light.
——
Rob Stewart
Northminster Presbyterian Church 