Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Why does this generation seek a sign?”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.

 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus expresses deep sadness from the questioning by the Pharisees. The Pharisees still do not accept Jesus as the messiah sent by God. Even after performing miracles and preaching the Word of God to them, they ask for a sign. If the Pharisees reject these miracles as signs, then what could Jesus do to convince them. Jesus asks the all important question, “Why does this generation seek a sign?” It is simply that their hearts have become hardened to the Word of God. Jesus himself was sent as the sign of the messiah. The Pharisees are asking for sign not because they seek the truth, but because they do not accept Christ as the messiah. How many times do we ask God the same thing? How many miracles have we witnessed and yet we turn to Christ and say, show me a sign? It is okay to have doubts, but to have doubt and to challenge God is a sin. It is our weakness that causes us to question God. God reveals his presence to us every day; we just need to open our hearts and be willing to see the light. Christ provides everything we need to believe; we just need to open our eyes and accept the truths that are laid before us.

 

We are two days away from the beginning of lent.  Lent is a special time of sacrifice.  It is a time for us to refocus our life on Christ.  During this time, ask God for illumination so that you can see the path that leads to His front door.  It is in the sacrifices that we make that come from the heart that point us to God’s love.  This Lenten season, find sacrifices in your life that will hope turn your eyes to God.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, may I always see your loving ways.

May your miracles be the shining light which guides me to your door.

May your words inspire my heart to love and obey your every command.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon