July 12, 2026: Finding God
Finding God
Do you know the popular book series called Where's Waldo? [hold up book] It's a fun game where you're challenged to find the character named Waldo [show image of Waldo] hidden in a crazy, crowded scene. For example... [show image] can you find him? [show a closer image of the same page. I point him out with a laser pointer, then show close-up.] Let's try another one. [Show second scene] OK here’s another close look. [closer look, and I point him out with a laser]
Sometimes finding God can feel like trying to find Waldo. Sometimes God is easy to see—in nature, the birth of a child, in the peace that comes after receiving Holy Communion.
But other times, it feels like God is hidden in the crowd. For example, when someone we love dies. When the doctor says, "We found something." When a relationship or marriage is struggling. Sometimes it’s in small things, like for you kids, when you aren't invited to that gathering or party. Sometimes it’s in big things like a war, when innocent people are killed. Or it could be simply like being overwhelmed by the noise and busyness of life and can't hear God's voice anymore. In those moments we ask, "God... where are you?"
Today's Gospel Jesus tells us about a great place to find God . . . scripture. In the verses right after this parable Jesus explains how the Word of God is like a seed. Now he was talking about the Old Testament, because the New Testament wasn’t written yet. So, we as Christ followers have the Old Testament and the New Testament, especially the gospels.
Now with the seed imagery, sometimes it lands on hard hearts (i.e. we don’t want to hear it). Sometimes on shallow hearts (i.e. we get all excited for a while but then give up). Sometimes it's choked by worry and distractions. But when it falls on rich soil, God’s words come just at the right time and it bears fruit beyond imagination.
The question isn't whether God is speaking. The question is whether we are listening. If you want to understand the Bible, the best way is to read it. This is my favorite version [Hold up Catholic Youth Bible from St. Mary’s Press] It is the same translation as we hear at Mass, and it’s filled with explanations and hints on how to live the scripture. But the best approach is just to open it up. Now there are on-line helps like the “Bible in a Year” podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, but an even better approach is not to “chew on so much.” Just take a bit at a time and reflect on it, pray with it. We are currently in Matthew gospel as a Church. That’s a good place to start.
When I run, I take a Psalm with me. I tear out a page from Give Us This Day and meditate on it as I run. Try it.
A couple of ways NOT to read it are not to open the Bible randomly [demonstrate]and expect a message from God. That's not how God’s message works. The goal is relationship not magic. Another bad approach is to read and assume it applies to someone else. For example, thinking, “So-and-so needs to hear this.” NO. It’s meant for you. Approach your reading by asking, “I wonder what God has to say to me today.”
Read it thoughtfully. Read it prayerfully. Let it shape your heart. Then, whatever you're facing in life, think of what St. Paul said in the second reading that our present sufferings are nothing to the glory to be revealed for us.
Jesus didn’t suffer so that you don’t have to. He suffered so you would know how to. Jesus didn’t die merely instead of you, Jesus died ahead of you. And Jesus rose, that you would be able to. And remember: In the end, everything will work out. If it hasn't worked out yet... it simply means it isn't the end.
[Sing] The word is near you, deep within you. The word is on your lips.
The Word who made you yet will save you. The Word is in your heart.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
Portions of images used are fromWhere's Waldo? The Mighty Magical Mix-Up: A Spellbinding Search Adventure! by Martin Handford. © 1987–2024 Martin Handford. Published by Candlewick Press. Displayed solely for illustrative and educational purposes as part of this homily. All rights reserved.
