Fr. Frank Majka, SJ – The Bridge

Where Is the One We Seek: Fifth Week

We’re told to seek Jesus among the living, which I interpret to mean that Jesus is among people who are alive not just physically but intellectually, socially and, above all, spiritually. When it comes to the spiritual part, it seems to me that being alive is about seeking, finding, honoring and nourishing a relationship with God. Christians believe that Jesus has a unique place in the search for God, for in the gospel of John Jesus tells us, “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Of course, Jesus’ statement can be read in a very restrictive way. We may think he is saying, “If you don’t know me, believe in me and follow me, you will never come to God. Without me you just can’t do it.” If that is how we read his words, then it appears that those who have never known of Christ cannot come to God. They are destined to never have a solid, loving relationship with God.

But another way of understanding Jesus is more expansive and inclusive, namely, that any time people come close to God, Jesus makes that possible and is with them whether they know anything about him or not. It is Jesus saying, “If you are looking for me, you’ll find me at work whenever people are sincerely seeking God.”

No one comes to God independently of what Jesus has done through his life, death and resurrection. But we don’t have to think that those who are not explicitly believers in Christ are eternally doomed to live without God. Whenever people come to the Father, it is because of Jesus. And the good news is that whenever people are coming closer to God, that’s where we can look for Jesus. That is where we can find the Risen One whom we seek.