Who Did You Go Out To See?

PHOTO: Mary van Balen
As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? MT 11

Taken from today’s gospel reading, these words challenged me. Sometimes when I pray and try to discern where God is in my life and what I am called to do, I am surprised by what I discover. I don’t always like what I “hear.” For example, as I continue to look for full time employment with no luck, I don’t want to hear “trust in me.” I want to hear “We’d love to have you!”

But trust is what I am asked to do. Work hard, apply for jobs…and trust.

Or, when I am faced with something I would rather avoid but must meet head on and no amount of prayer makes it any easier, I wonder…why do I pray?

Jesus’ words struck deep today. What did I expect? Instant change? An easy path? When I look for God in myself and in the world, what do I expect to find?

If I truly desire to be faithful to who God made me to be and to follow God’s call, I must be ready to grow, to change, to trust.

Some who went to see John in the desert were curiosity seekers interested in seeing a strange man who was causing a stir, but the true seekers went to see a prophet who would ask them to repent and change their lives.

“Be careful what you wish for,” someone once told me. “You may get it and be surprised if you get it.”

When we go into the desert of our hearts to be still with God, we should remember who we desire and what walking with him may mean.