Find Answers to Your Questions

Saint Matthew writes in the Gospel, "On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea." Jesus then spoke to the crowds that gathered around Him telling them one of His parables. The "house" is no doubt that of Peter's mother-in-law which still stands in the village of Capernaum where Jesus lived for three years. The Sea of Galilee is situated a short distance away with hills on either side rolling smoothly in the deep blue waters. As Jesus sat by the sea, the sun sparkled on the water emitting rays of various colors as it danced in the early morning light.

The Sea of Galilee is simple in its beauty and breathtaking in its serenity. Jesus' sublime influence is still perceived today when one visits this sacred land. Yet, as I sit in the church at Adoration, I know Jesus is present here before me. He is as truly present - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - as He was while sitting on the shores of the Sea of Galilee over 2000 years ago. My heart beats in union with His. My soul contemplates this inner harmony and experiences an abiding joy which cannot be understood or encountered elsewhere.

Saint Matthew's gospel continues, "Such large crowds gathered around him..." in Capernaum "...that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore." People flocked to see and hear Jesus. His gentle manner and compassionate demeanor reached into the depths of their beings and filled them with an inner tranquility. The tenderness and sincerity in His eyes spoke volumes to their heart, while His genuine thoughtfulness and concern touched their soul.

Yet, where are the crowds now? I sit before the altar where Jesus is present in the monstrance. He desires to speak with us all, but we are too busy with "worldly affairs" to come and spend some of our precious time with Him. We seek answers to a multitude of questions, but we do not look for these answers in the right places. We do not look to Jesus.

Patiently Jesus waits for you and for me to visit Him. In the stillness of the church, He is present and desires to talk with you. He desires to give you the answers you seek; He desires to share His love with you. As He sat by the Sea of Galilee so long ago, Jesus could see into the depths of the waters at the myriad fish and plant life. Now, He sits in the tabernacle of the church and wherever you may be, He gazes lovingly into the depths of your heart waiting to answer your questions.