Jesus implied it in his response to John the Baptist;

he said it explicitly to the crowds concerning John;

and I believe he says it to us at this Mass:

"What are you looking for?"

What are you looking for?

In today’s Gospel story from Matthew 11, John the Baptist—through his disciples—asks Jesus a question which many people find a bit strange: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"

Why would John ask such a question? Didn’t he already know who Jesus was? At the Visitation, for example, we’re told that John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb as he was brought into the presence of Jesus, who had recently been conceived in the womb of our Blessed Mother. Even then—in utero—John seemed to recognize his Savior! And then, as he was baptizing people in the Jordan River, Scripture says that he spotted his cousin off in the distance and cried out, "Look—there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" That, it seems to me, was a clear statement of faith on John’s part.

So what was going on? Was John doubting Jesus as he sat there in that prison cell?

No, I don’t think he was doubting Jesus; I think he was beginning to doubt himself and his earlier ideas about his cousin—just as we can sometimes call into question what we’ve believed in the past.

Let’s face it, John had a lot of time to think as he sat there in Herod’s prison. And during the course of his pondering, he apparently said to himself, "Maybe I’ve had it all wrong. I’ve always believed that the Messiah would manifest God’s justice in a powerful, visible way—maybe even with a little fire and brimstone from heaven! But my cousin Jesus hasn’t done that. He keeps asking for repentance. Maybe I’ve missed something; perhaps the real Messiah will come after him."

Jesus responds through John’s disciples, and he basically says this: "John, what are you looking for? Are you looking for the real Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, or are you looking for your own version of the Messiah?—because I’m the real deal, cuz! I’m the one foretold in all these Old Testament texts that speak of the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame walking, the lepers being healed, the dead being raised up, and the poor hearing the Good News. Blessed the one who takes no offense at me AS I AM!"

No doubt that answer satisfied John, and brought peace and joy to his heart. He realized that he did have it right after all.

Then, as John’s disciples are leaving, Jesus turns to the crowds and asks them the same question relative to his cousin:

"What were you looking for when you went to see John the Baptist in the desert or at the Jordan river? What were you looking for? Someone who would be like a reed swaying in the wind and tell you what you wanted to hear? You certainly didn’t get that with John! What were you looking for? Someone dressed in fine clothing? I hope not, because my cousin was definitely not GQ material in his camel’s hair outfit! What were you looking for? A prophet? That’s what you should have been looking for, because he was a prophet—and something more! He was the ‘voice’ whose role it was to prepare God’s people for the Messiah!"

Our Lord said this to the crowds because he knew that what people are looking for directly influences their faith response—or lack thereof.

For example, the Jews who were looking for a reed swaying in the wind or someone making a fashion statement were no doubt very, very disappointed when they met John the Baptist in the flesh—which means they probably tuned him out and walked away in anger and disgust! Whereas those who were looking for a prophet found what they were seeking—consequently they were much more likely to accept John’s message.

Which brings us to ourselves.

‘What are you looking for?’ is a crucial question for many areas of our lives, but it’s especially important with respect to our religion, since our religion shapes our entire life. It’s common sense (or at least it should be common sense): What we believe influences what we do—and don’t do.

So I ask you today, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior: What are you looking for in your religion?

I thought of all this after I met a woman the other day in the parking lot of CVS—a woman whom I had not seen in church for a long time. I said, "Nice to see you. Where have you been?" That’s a typical "Fr. Ray question," as those who know me will attest.

Her response was as direct as my question. She said, "I’ve given up the Catholic religion. It’s too demanding and too restrictive."

What is she looking for?

She’s looking for an "easy religion." She’s looking for a religion where she makes the rules, not God. Unfortunately, we all probably know people of a similar mindset.

What about you? What are you looking for?

A religion that makes you feel good all the time?

A religion—a church—which requires nothing of you? No commitment? No participation? No sharing of your gifts and talents?

A religion—a church—where forgiveness is promised without repentance (and, of course, without confession!)?

A religion—a church—that will be like ‘a reed swaying in the wind,’ and change with the times? A religion—a church—that will bend and accept contraception and abortion and active homosexuality and every other form of immorality that the world says is okay?

Since I’ve thrown the question out to you, I suppose it’s only fair that I end my homily today by answering it myself! After all, a preacher who’s doing his job should always preach to himself first. So, Fr. Ray, what are you looking for in your religion?"

Glad you asked!

I’m looking for three things: truth, love and life—

Not just some truth, but the whole truth, even when it makes me a bit uncomfortable, even when it tells me I’m wrong and challenges me to be different;

I’m looking for a love that is unconditional; a permanent, perfect love that will never diminish; a love that accepts me just as I am, but also cleanses me of my sins and makes me better.

And I’m looking for life—a full life, a happy life here on this earth (to the extent that’s possible), and a perfect life that will never end.

That, by the way, is why I’m Catholic! It’s because all three are found here—in the Catholic Church—to a greater extent than they are found anywhere else in the world. I’m not Catholic because my parents were Catholic (although they were); I’m not Catholic because I’m afraid to be something else; I’m not Catholic because I’ve been brainwashed. I’m Catholic because I want the fullness of truth, a perfect love and an unending life.