"This is the LORD for whom we looked." // Isaiah 25:9
As I read these words this morning, I immediately thought of Pope Saint John Paul II. I remember learning about the last few hours of his life when I visited his shrine in Washington DC a few years ago. I watched a video there that detailed his pontificate and his last days. It shared that thousands of young Catholics, inspired by his faith and his example, prayed for him in Saint Peter's Square during those final hours. When he was told about their presence, he said, "I have looked for you. Now you have come to me, and I thank you."
John Paul II was so passionate about reaching young people and encouraging them in their faith! But, when I first heard this quote, I didn't know who he was speaking to. I (incorrectly) imagined that as he lay dying, he saw Our Lord and spoke these words aloud to Him. So, prior to watching that video in the shrine, my interpretation of this encounter really struck me. And even though I had the wrong context, once I learned who John Paul II was talking about, I still couldn't get over this urgent feeling that I, too, need to look for Jesus if I ever hoped to truly find Him.
This is true today. I still have to keep looking.
Advent is such a beautiful time to look for Him, friends. He wants to be found, so let's take that one step, that one turn towards Him today that He is waiting for.