Tuesday, March 28 : Origen

To seek for Jesus is very often a good thing since it means the same thing as seeking the Word, the truth and wisdom. But you are about to tell me that the words “seeking Jesus” are sometimes spoken concerning those who mean harm. For example: “They tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come” (Jn 7,30). “I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me because my word has no room in you” (Jn 8,37). “Now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from my Father” (Jn 8,40). These words… do not contradict that other saying: “The one who seek, finds” (Mt 7,8). The fact remains that distinctions exist between those who seek Jesus: not all are looking for him sincerely for the sake of their own salvation and to gain his help. Some people are looking for him for any number of reasons far removed from the good. That is why only those who have sought him in complete uprightness have found peace: those of whom one can truthfully say that they have sought the Word who is with God (Jn 1,1) so that he can draw them to his Father… He threatens to go away if he is not received: “I am going away and you will look for me” (Jn 8,21)… He knows from whom he is withdrawing and with whom he remains without yet being found, so that if he is sought he will be found at the favourable time.
maronite readings – rosary,team