Finding Christ Within: The Journey from Surface to Depth

As we enter February, a month often associated with love, it’s fitting to reflect on a deeper kind of love. The love that transforms, the love that calls us beyond ourselves, the love that invites us into the mystery of God. This past Sunday, we explored the theme of going beyond the surface to encounter the presence of Christ within—a journey that challenges us to see the world, and ourselves, with new eyes.

Looking Beyond the Surface

We live in a world where first impressions rule. We judge people by their appearance, their politics, their affiliations. We categorize them as “one of us” or “one of them.” But what if true faith requires us to look deeper?

The philosopher Jacob Needleman once shared a powerful realization. In his youth, he asked a Zen master, “What is self?” The teacher simply responded, “Who is asking?” This response frustrated him at first, but years later, he understood. The journey of faith is not about looking outward for answers—it’s about looking inward to discover who we truly are in Christ.

This journey from surface to depth is one that Jesus Himself took. Before His public ministry began, He withdrew into the wilderness, facing temptations, wrestling with His calling. Only after looking within could He stand in the synagogue and declare, “Today, the scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

The Call to See Differently

The people of Nazareth were amazed by Jesus at first. He spoke with wisdom, with grace. But then something shifted. They murmured, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

How often do we do the same? We admire the idea of Christ but resist where He calls us to go. We love the concept of grace but struggle when it means extending it to those we judge.

Jesus confronted His hometown with an uncomfortable truth. Faith is not about comfort, and God’s love does not belong to only one group. He reminded them that when the prophets of old performed miracles, it was often for outsiders—for those on the margins, for those considered unworthy. This truth enraged them. They wanted a Messiah who fit their mold, not a Savior who shattered expectations.

What about us? Are we willing to let Christ challenge us, to reshape our assumptions about who belongs in God’s love?

Finding Christ Within

The Gospel invites us to go deeper—to move beyond ego, judgment, and division and see Christ not just in others, but within ourselves.

When we look beyond the surface, we begin to see Christ in the stranger, not as “one of them,” but as a fellow traveler in God’s creation. Christ in the suffering, not as a burden, but as an invitation to compassion. Christ in ourselves, not as a distant deity, but as the Divine spark already present within us.

This is the journey of faith—not just knowing about Christ but becoming Christ-bearers in the world.

A Faith That Acts

As we reflect on this call to go deeper, we must ask ourselves how we live this out.

1. Look beyond assumptions. Instead of seeing people through the lens of labels, ask, “What is Christ revealing to me through this person?”
2. Embrace discomfort. The spiritual journey is not about certainty; it’s about growth. Where is God challenging you to see differently?
3. Serve with humility. Faith is not just about belief—it’s about action. Who needs your love, your time, your kindness today?
4. Recognize the Christ within. Instead of seeking God in grand displays, find Him in the quiet moments, the small acts of love, the depths of your own heart.

As we move through this season, may we be willing to see beyond the surface and embrace the Christ who dwells in each of us.

Where is Christ calling you to look deeper this week?