A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 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:
To test Jesus, the Pharisees asked for a sign from Him. The request for a heavenly sign may have been their way to discredit him and perhaps accuse him of going against Jewish laws. Their insincere opposition to see the evidence and miracles already available to them was very clear, their minds and heart were closed to the truth.
Have you met a “Pharisee” during the course of your life? We all probably have. If not directly, we can see them in the news cycle, at work, school, etc. They have a harden heart, they walk through life with an attitude of indifference, they urge for miracles "on demand" and look for signs through pagan rituals. The Pharisees' request to see a sign from heaven was not due to a longing to see God. How do we know that? Because God was right in front of them and they still couldn't see Him. Jesus sighs and says, “No sign will be given to this generation”. Is Jesus referring to our generation too? Our generation has been gifted with faith and a written record of God's revelation and accounts of Jesus' time on earth, but yet, too often than not, we don’t believe that Jesus is our heavenly sign. Lord, I pray that I walk by faith and that I can recognize the many signs presented to me during my daily life. Lord, I pray that I can find You everywhere and not only at church and when surrounded by people of faith. Lord, I pray that when I meet a "Pharisee", I am able to show my love for You in a way that might become contagious. Oh, merciful Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
