13-Feb-17

Gospel MK 8:11-13
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.

Reflection:
"The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him."
God has given us many signs. We recognize the crocus as a sign of spring. Geese flying south in the fall is a sign that winter is on the way. A heart is a sign for love.
However, the Pharisees were asking Jesus to give them a sign to prove that He was in fact sent from God.
Jesus, "......sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
"Why does this generation seek a sign?"
To ask for a sign shows
God the weakness of our faith.
I must admit that, like the Pharisees, I have on occasion asked for a sign.
It pains me to think of Jesus listening to me asking for a sign, and then sighing and perhaps saying to Himself: "How many times do I have to prove myself to this guy?"
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."
Trust and faith in God means my going forward without knowledge, without proof, without a "sign." That is the very essence of faith, to go forward without knowing.
Help me Lord, to "let go and let God."
Help me to live up to my prayer:
"O'Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in You."
"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." - -Saint Augustine