A CLOSE CALL

“When Jesus turned around and noticed them following Him, He asked them, ‘What are you looking for?’ ” —John 1:38

Andrew and another disciple of John the Baptizer followed Jesus from a distance. Likewise, today there are many long-distance followers of Jesus. Are you close to the Lord? Or are your prayers “smoke signals”?

Jesus has become a man. He even gives Himself to us in the Eucharist to be closer than close to us. He challenges us to look into our hearts and ask ourselves what we are looking for (Jn 1:38). Jesus, our Rabbi and Teacher (see Jn 1:38), will show us which of these desires are distancing us from Him. All we have to do is give ourselves the chance to hear the truth about our hearts from the Truth Himself (see Jn 2:25; 14:6). We must stay with Jesus for an extended time. We must not run away when He speaks of changing what we’re looking for, repenting of our sins, and taking up the cross daily (see Lk 9:23).

Jesus wants to give us a real “make-over,” to change our names (see Jn 1:42), our looks, and what we’re looking for. Jesus wants to draw us close to Himself. This Christmas and this new year, stay close to Jesus.

Prayer: Father, You drew close to me in the Incarnation of Your Son. May I draw close to You (Jas 4:8).

Promise: “It was to destroy the devil’s works that the Son of God revealed Himself.” —1 Jn 3:8

Praise: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was born to wealthy Episcopalian parents in New York City. After a visit to Rome, she felt called to fast and pray. The Holy Spirit led her into the Catholic Church only sixteen years before her death.