Homily: April 20, 2026, Monday of the Third week of Easter (Friendship with Jesus)

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 “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.”

I have many personal friends whom I do not contact regularly anymore, mostly because of our busy schedules, time zone difference, and simply how quickly time passes.

But when I need something from there, when I need their help, I would not hesitate to call them. And they would oblige and not reject me. They too, would reach out to me only when they need my help, and I would not deny them my assistance either.

I do feel guilty quite often, however. I do think I should have called them more often, to check in with them and show concern, not just when I needed help. My friends are guilty of the same.

In today’s Gospel, people were looking for Jesus, and He knew their motivation, because they knew He could provide for their needs, He could feed them and satisfy their hunger for food. Sadly, they did not know He could give them much more than mere food, they simply did not realize they had needs beyond just bread.

And so, they looked for Him, not because of His person, not because of relationship but because He fed them, and they wanted more. Sometimes, our relationship with God is like that.

We go to Him when we need something from Him. We pray when we are in trouble. We remember Him when life becomes difficult. God is treated like our vending machine, our ambulance, doctor, magician, servant.

Often, we don’t even feel guilty about it, and we might even forget to thank Him for a job well done for us!

Despite knowing this, God continues to meet our needs, even before we call. Yet He doesn’t want anything from us, He wants us. And He wishes too, for us to want Him. He desires our friendship.

Truly, deep within our being, our souls need and long for God. We are just not conscious of it.

I remember at the SEEK conference this year, one of the speakers shared something beautiful. He said, “I love to waste time with Jesus.” He would go to adoration without a book, without a list of prayers, to just sit there in silence, in front of Jesus, doing nothing, with Him.

That is friendship. That is love.

Jesus wants to be present for us all the time, and He also wants us to be present for Him.

Recall: When was the last time you looked for Jesus, just to be with Him?

He is never too busy for you, go look for Him today. Amen.


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March 1, 2025: First Holy Communion Homily: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Seffner, Florida

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