Thursday – 2nd Week of Advent              (revisited)

Gospel – Matthew 11:11-15

Hiding In Plain Sight

Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem

When I was little, I played more than my share of Hide and Seek and I think I was pretty good at the ‘hiding’ part.  But what really upset me sometimes was when I found what I thought was the perfect hiding spot.  They’ll never find me here.  Unfortunately that is exactly what happened!  They didn’t exactly NOT find me; they gave up looking!  And eventually I had to come out of hiding after waiting and waiting!  So sad!

The last line in today’s Gospel stands out for me – whoever has ears should hear!  I would add ‘look’ to the equation!  In these difficult times, we often hear people complaining “where is God?”  My response is – are we even looking?  Or have we given up trying?  Looking and listening are not simply passive; maybe it’s better to say ‘search’ and ‘pay attention.’ 

God is telling us in today’s Gospel – I am right here, right in front of you!  Are we paying attention?  Are we actively looking for Him or have we given up trying?  Perhaps that should be our challenge today (and every day).  God is not hiding away from us; He is not sitting in some hidden away place.  He is right in front of our noses.  Do we see Him?  Do we seek Him?  Are we even looking for Him?

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