Ten years ago, I was driving a rental car in a European country. I landed in Brussels, Belgium, as a private pilgrim and intended to visit several Marian shrines. The focus of my trip was to research the title of Our Lady, Notre Dame de Bon Secours (Our Lady of Good Help) and I was going to visit a Basilica and churches dedicated to that title. I was blessed to have the time and opportunity to visit Belgium’s two Marian apparitions in the villages of Beauraing and Banneux. In fact, I was visiting Beauraing on the anniversary of the final Marian apparition.
As I drove to the village, I did not have an address. Since it was a small town of 9,000, I didn’t think I would have a problem finding a shrine to a Marian apparition. I imagined there would be signs directing me to the sanctuary or from my limited knowledge, that the apparitions were close to a railroad track, so I would be able to locate the shrine. I was mistaken. I drove around the town and could not find it.
In a moment of desperation, I stopped at the local grocery store, and in my limited French, asked for directions to the Coeur d’or or Golden Heart. It was at this moment I realized how deep the secularization of Belgium was, that locals would not know about the woman with the Golden Heart. Finally, a kind soul knew where I wanted to go, and they gave me the directions I needed. I needed someone like John the Baptist who pointed out Jesus to others. Behold, this is the one you are looking for, follow him. In my case, this is the Marian apparition site you are looking for. You may have had a similar experience at a store as you wander aimlessly through the aisles. An astute employee might notice, and ask you, “What are you looking for?” You name it and if they are outstanding, they will walk right to where the product is located.
Jesus asks that same question to us today: “What are you looking for?” This is a question deeper than a shrine or item to purchase. It is an existential question. It is an interior question. The answers vary depending on your situation. A person who has been hurt by others might be looking for healing. Someone riddled with anxiety is searching for calm and peace. A homeless person is looking for shelter; an underemployed person is looking for a job to help them meet their needs. When we go to adoration, what are you looking for from Jesus? When we go to Mass, what are we looking for? Jesus has all the answers. He provides all the help and grace we need. Answer his question today, and as you follow him, you will see and find what it is for which you are looking.
Fr. Looney serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawano and priest celebrant at St. Martin of Tours Parish, Cecil. He hosts the podcast “How They Love Mary.”
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