Homily: May, 5, 2025, Third Monday of Easter (read Friend)

 “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.” 

Once, an influential and wealthy man shared with me something which struck me deep and unforgettable. He said, “I wish I had just a few real friends. Just friends. No expectations. No pressure. Just someone to talk to. To love and be loved.”

It was obvious then that he was not deprived of money, wealth, possibly not power also, but he was deprived of good relationships, relationships which are real and meaningful. Instead, he was surrounded by people who expected things from him. Because of his wealth and influence, people saw him as someone they can benefit from, someone advantageous for their needs, instead of someone they can simply be friends with.

That’s exactly what Jesus is calling out in today’s Gospel. He tells the crowd, “You are looking for me not because you saw the signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.”

They were following Jesus not because they recognized or realized He is the Messiah but because they got free food, they wanted more miracles and material providence. They didn’t care too much who Jesus was, nor what He wanted to teach them. They didn’t bother getting to know Jesus better as a person, as the Son of God.

What about us? Do we also treat God like someone to give us what we want? Is our prayer time a time of connecting intimately with God, or is it an opportunity to list our requests, needs and demands? Do we complain and turn away from God when we don’t get what we expected?

Let me ask you something more personal: Are you a true friend of God or are you a user of God’s wealth, power and miracle works?

Do you want to be with God for who He is to you or for what He can do for you?

Do we also use our other friends and family for our benefit when we need, instead of loving them for who they are?

Jesus desires a real relationship with each of us. A relationship that is open, honest, loving, affectionate, trusting, intimate and joyful. Are we happy to be in friendship with Jesus?

Let our hearts proclaim an old Latin expression, “Non nisi Te, Domine” - Nothing but You, O Lord. Only You.

Amen.




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