Fr. Paul J. Campbell’s article for Jan. 16, 2005

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is 49: 3, 5-6                        1 Cor 1:1-3                        John 1: 29-34

For me one of the most noteworthy spiritual stories of 2004 was Madonna’s quest for spiritual fulfillment.  I am quite aware of the fact that catholic news agencies world wide probably would not have seen her practicing Kabbalah as noteworthy but I feel it is.  Not because it is about Madonna who has exploited her own Roman Catholic symbolic heritage to make a buck.  Not because she chose Kabbalah which is an aspect of Jewish mysticism. I am always intrigued when I hear about a media, business or sports star that has decided to spend time cultivating their spiritual side.  You see, all of us at one point in our lives ask the question Peggy Lee asked years ago, “Is that all there is?’  For another generation the question was “Where’s the beef?” and still another questions why their lives are all sizzle and no steak.  Some find they are comfortable and stable in their lives and then look for a deeper meaning while others who are less comfortable just try to make sense out of life’s major issues. For those of us who have asked the real questions of life this Sunday’s scripture can offer some guidance.  Isaiah who knew a bit about the difficulties of life simple says, “My God is my strength”. Yet with these few words he shares the first step in finding meaning in life. How many times have we said “I just don’t know how I can do it?”  Those who want to go deeper in the spiritual realm must realize that they can’t make it without God.  I am always amused when a professional athlete is interviewed about their accomplishments.  When the athlete mentions something about God giving them the strength, the interview quickly ends.  The late Reggie White is a great example.  His professional accomplishments had to be recognized yet his willingness to talk about the source of his spiritual strength always caused a moment of uncomfortable ness for the interviewer.   It is easier to say “Let go, Let God” then to actually give up our own will. Yet, if we do we can begin to find meaning in life.  What is important is that life will not be so overwhelming.  What is the prayer of the spiritual person?  The psalmists said it best. “Here I am Lord, I am come to do your will”. The spiritual life is a way of life not just a passing fad or something we do on Sunday.  The psalmist writes, “Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me”.  As I have said before when we pray are we looking for God to rubber stamp what we were going to do anyway or do we really want God’s guidance and strength?  And finally there is that great scene in John’s gospel when John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” John was a huge personality in his day. Many thought he was the Messiah.  Yet John realized that he did not have all the answers and his purpose in life was to point to the one who was greater than he, Jesus.  It must have bee hard for John to admit that he was not the one.  Yet in pointing to Jesus as the Son of God John teaches a valuable lesson.  The spiritual world is greater than the material. Yes, maybe there is more to life than meets the eye. Sooner or later we all come to this realization and the quest for deeper meaning will begin.  The Good News is our God is waiting to go with us.