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. Even after witnessing all his great deeds, they cannot find it in their heart to understand and know Christ. If the Pharisees reject these miracles as signs, then what could Jesus do to convince them to come to know him. Jesus asks the all important question, “Why does this generation seek a sign?” The answer is simple. It is simply that their hearts have become so hardened to the true Word of God that they cannot see Jesus as the messiah. Jesus himself was sent as the sign of the messiah. The Pharisees are asking for signs 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 come before him and accept the truths that are laid before us.

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.

May I become a light for others.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon