Jesus Asks, “Am I Not Enough for You?”

 
Thomson Philip
21 Jul 2024

In the bustling, chaotic world we live in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, inadequate, and constantly in search of more—more success, more possessions, more validation. But amidst all this noise, we hear a gentle, yet profound question from Jesus: "Am I not enough for you?"

Mother Teresa once said, "You will never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have." Her life and work among the poorest of the poor stand as a testament to this truth. The essence of our faith lies in the belief that Jesus Christ is sufficient for all our needs. He is the answer to our deepest longings, the comfort in our darkest hours, and the source of our greatest joy. The Bible is replete with affirmations of His sufficiency and love. Philippians 4:19 assures us, "And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." St. Paul’s letters consistently emphasize that Jesus is the ultimate provider, the one who satisfies all our needs.

In our daily lives, it is common to find people cherishing the gifts and blessings from God, sometimes more than God Himself. However, we are called to evolve beyond this and love the Lord with all our heart and might. As it says in Exodus 33:15 (ESV Catholic), "If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here." This verse highlights the profound importance of seeking God's presence above all else. In the passage, God promises His favor to Moses, but Moses insists on the Lord Himself accompanying them, showing the paramount importance of God's presence over His blessings.

This underscores a paramount benefit of having Jesus with us: it sets us apart, making us distinct from every other people on the face of the earth. This profound truth is echoed in the words of St. Alphonsa: "I am not my own. I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love."

In modern times, consider the recent incident involving former President Donald Trump, where a sudden turn of his head during an assassination attempt at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, saved his life. For a split second, something made him turn his head, diverting the bullet's path. Many believe this was divine intervention. Who else could have caused this timely action other than Jesus, our ever-present protector?

Many believers, non-believers, and people from other faiths often turn to the Lord and saints, seeking their intercession for blessings and favors. While these prayers are heartfelt and genuine, how often do we pause to ask for the most precious gift of all—God's presence in our lives? Take, for example, the many devotees who visit St. Anthony's church or say novenas, especially on Tuesdays, to ask for various blessings and favors. These acts of faith are beautiful, yet we might sometimes overlook the deeper invitation. How many of us have ever asked St. Anthony to give us the Infant Jesus himself, whom he holds in his hands?

As followers of Christ, we are invited to seek Jesus and His abiding presence above all else. It is in His presence that we find true peace, joy, and fulfillment. By focusing our hearts and minds on Him, we can deepen our relationship with Jesus and experience the fullness of His love and grace.

Pope John Paul II beautifully encapsulated this idea: "It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you." His words remind us that our deepest desires and longings find their true fulfillment in Jesus.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reinforces this truth. CCC 460 states, "The Word became flesh to make us 'partakers of the divine nature' (2 Peter 1:4): 'For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.'" This teaching underscores that through Jesus, we are drawn into an intimate relationship with God, a relationship that fulfills our deepest desires and needs.

Consider the story of St. Paul, who endured countless hardships—imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and more. Despite these trials, he found his sufficiency in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV Catholic), Paul recounts Jesus’s words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." Paul’s life is a testament to finding strength, purpose, and contentment in Jesus alone.

As we reflect on these truths, let us open our hearts to the love of Jesus. His question, "Am I not enough for you?" is a gentle reminder to turn away from the fleeting things of this world and to find our true fulfillment in Him. Jesus invites us to a relationship where we are fully known, deeply loved, and eternally secure. In Him, we find peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), joy that is complete (John 15:11), and love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Music often resonates deeply with our souls, conveying truths that words alone cannot. Consider these lines from some beloved Christian hymns:

"In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_063OI38RQ

These lines remind us of the steadfast and unwavering presence of Christ in our lives, offering us strength and hope no matter the circumstances.

So, let us answer Jesus’s question with a resounding "Yes, Lord, you are enough!" Let us, like St. Thomas, proclaim "My Lord and my God!" and, like St. Paul, find our sufficiency in His grace. In every moment of doubt or need, let us remember that Jesus is the answer, the fulfillment, and the all-sufficient Savior.

May our hearts be filled with His love, our lives be guided by His grace, and our souls find rest in His sufficiency.

Jesus, you are my all. You are my strength, my comfort, and my hope. In you, I find everything I need. I trust in your love and grace to guide me through every challenge and to fill my life with your presence. Today and always, I declare that you are enough for me.

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