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 natural signs: The arrival of the first robin is a sign of spring. Frost in the fall is a sign that winter is on the way.

However, the Pharisees were asking Jesus to give them a sign to prove that He was sent from God. By asking for a sign they were showing the weakness of their faith.

He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,

“Why does this generation seek a sign?”

Like the Pharisees, I have occasionally asked for a sign. It pains me to think of Jesus listening to me and then “sighing” and saying to Himself, “How many times do I have to prove myself to this guy?” Am I too showing the weakness of my faith?

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

Faith and trust in God means going forward without knowledge, without proof, without a “sign.” This is the very essence of faith.

Help me Lord, to live up to my prayer: “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in You.”

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11: 1