11-08-2026, Memorial of St. Clare
ζητεῖ (zētéi Gk) (Seek/Search En) (Mt 18:12)
The Word to reflect today is from today’s Gospel passage according to Matthew (18:1-5,10,12-14). The word literally means to seek or search. It may be (to find), a searching for what is lost; or it may be (to obtain or pursue), man’s quest for God and what can be obtained only from him; or it may be (to seek), what God requires or expects from man; or it may be (to inquire) making inquiry or investigation examine, question, deliberate. This word is only used once in the Gospel of Matthew.
The gospel invites us to consider if we have stopped ζητεῖ (pursuing) our quest for God and his purpose for us. Like the child who has estranged from his/her father, Jesus is concerned for us like a father concerned and waiting for his prodigal child. Though we might ζητεῖ(seek) signs and wonders like a perverse generation (Mk 8:12, Lk 11:29), God himself leaves all his priorities to ζητεῖ (search/seek) us so that we may realise that we need to change our course and return to our purpose, to return to God and to live in his presence.
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father ζητεῖ such as these to worship him.” (Jn. 4:23)
St. Clare of Assisi, was *ζητεῖ * (seeking) to live in God’s presence, which she did adoring the Lord and lived in his presence. What about You? Have you lost your way to God. Have courage, God is near, *ζητεῖ *(seeking) you like a merciful and loving Father.