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Catholic

The God Who Waits to Be Found

July 20, 2011 by Pat Gohn

Continued from Page 1

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: "Because you have asked for this -- not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right -- I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." (1 Kgs. 3:5-12)

Solomon teaches me to come to God in all honesty. And to be bold enough to ask God for the virtues I need. God knows exactly what I need, but wants to hear it from me first. That way, I'm better disposed to the blessings God has for me. Note how abundantly God rewards Solomon's request.

The moment of truth for the seeker is to do what God suggests when we hear it. God already knows us, and our capabilities; He will supply what we may lack. And as we learn from Solomon's story, the wisdom he had was a pure gift from God, given as a gift for the asking. It was not inborn, that Solomon might not credit his own wisdom.

The Psalm for Sunday echoes the benefits that come from heeding God's instructions found in his Word.

Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple (Ps. 119:129-130).

Ah, yes, understanding comes even to the simple, not just the Solomons of this world. We have only to observe what God is asking of us (and then do what he tells us) leaving the outcome to God.

That brings us to a curious and wonderful affirmation from St. Paul in the Sunday's second reading.

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Imagine! God really can work through us, in all things. When we seek to be called to God's purposes, we may delight in all good.

Finally, the Gospel this Sunday presents two seekers that Jesus profiles in a parable. They seek to find the truth about God, and they are not disappointed.

Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it" (Mt. 13:44-46).

These seekers encounter the unique desires of their hearts in the Kingdom of Heaven. Indeed, God wishes to be found.

Are you a seeker of God? God's got a field for you. And, a pearl.

Your search will not be fruitless, but first you have to be in the hunt. You have to make a start by turning toward God's love. The finding will be something your heart will recognize, and you will know it, profoundly aligning your life to a new course and trajectory. Note the aftereffects of the undaunted treasure hunter and pearl merchant: they commit all they have.

Have courage.

Many have come before us with great success in finding God. He is near to all the hearts he has made. God never stops seeking to draw us to himself. If seeking leads to finding, then may we zealously attempt to turn our lives toward the One who sought us, first.

Choosing this immortal friendship is where our hearts will find security and rest. The words of Jesus from St. John's Gospel underscore that God has already committed everything to us first.

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you . . . (Jn. 15:15).

This is what we long for . . . it has always been about God first seeking this relationship with us. And, our response.

Lord, what do you have for me today? Help me not to miss your blessing.

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7/20/2011 4:00:00 AM

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About Pat Gohn

Pat Gohn is a Catholic writer, speaker, and the host of the Among Women Podcast and blog. Her book Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood is published by Ave Maria Press.

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