MASS READINGS:

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:

He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? ... ”

What was our LORD Jesus feeling and thinking? I would imagine pain; pain from seeing his own creatures, whom he loved so much, arguing with him, doubting him, testing him, and being malicious towards him, their creator.

I also reflect on what were the Pharisees feeling and thinking… were they feeling self-righteous, owners of the truth and ‘on top of the world’? Did they have an arrogant smile in their faces, and the internal conviction that Jesus was going to be humiliated when he would not (as they expected) be able to deliver the ‘sign’ they were defiantly requesting? Did they think they would be vindicated after proving Jesus a liar?

I look at myself and feel immensely grateful for the patience and love that Jesus has generously extended to me over the years of my life. At the same time, I ask myself how many times have I made him sigh from the depth of his spirit because of my actions.

How much does my current mind frame mimic that of the Pharisees? Am I self-righteous and think that Jesus has to fulfill all of my requests? Are my prayers humble? Do I address him reverently and lovingly? Am I profoundly aware of my condition of creature?

In an honest assessment I find a lot of ‘room for improvement’ in my soul, but also in humble gratefulness to Jesus, I acknowledge that he has done much in me with so little of my cooperation.

Jesus, I beg you to give me the grace to never do anything that would make you sigh from the depth of your spirit.

Mother of the Savior, pray for us!