Monday of the Third Week of Easter

 Lectionary: 273

"...when they found him across the sea they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered them and said,
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled."

People often asked clerics and catechists irrelevant questions about the Gospel, and we often spend a lot of time answering them. We do so because someone once said, "There are no stupid questions." 

Actually, there are -- many. Stupid questions can make for interesting, irrelevant discussions late at night when young theologians have nothing better to do, and don't suppose their conversation should lead to deeper prayer or more intense devotion. They pass the time. But they do not answer the important questions about how to save our souls or fulfill our missions. 

As we read in today's gospel, asked a pointless question, Jesus redirected the conversation back to what is important, "...you are looking for me." Fascinated by a person and wanting more conversation with them, someone might ask, "How can I find you" or, "How can I contact you?" And they'll probably receive a helpful phone number or email address. 

Jesus instructed them how to look for him: "Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life...." To which his pursuers immediately asked, "What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Pleased with the right question, Jesus answered and said to them,

"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."

Now we're getting somewhere! 

"What is faith?" someone might ask. To which the Letter to the Hebrews replies, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for,  the conviction of things not seen." (translation, RSV.)

Faith is the necessary human response to Jesus; there is no other appropriate response. The faithful set aside every misgiving and suspicious attitude toward human beings in general, and believe in this man who was born of a Virgin and has appeared among us. 

Having heard the story of Jesus from his conception to his death, resurrection, and ascension, and having heard the testimony of others who believe in him, we "do the work" and decide to trust him with our lives and fortunes. 

Experience assures us that faith requires both word and deed. A better word might be fidelity, meaning a faith that is continual, reliable, and forever. This faith is openly declared, like that of Martha and Thomas who said to Jesus on two different occasions: 

"Yes, Lord, I do believe." (and) "My Lord and my God!"