Demand for a Sign

February 15, 2021, Monday
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Green)
CYCLE B - YEAR I
RDGS: GN 4:1-15. 25/ PS 50:1. 8. 16-17. 20-21
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.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Arguing can be acceptable, but the Pharisees’ are hostile: they have decided that Jesus is their enemy. From now on in the gospel they will be ‘testing’ Jesus, trying to find his weaknesses, so they can do away with him. Nothing he does will satisfy them: their hearts are closed. God often ‘tests’ us, but it is in order to bring out the best in us, to make our faith and love grow deeper.

Do I sometimes make Jesus ‘sigh deeply’? Am I waiting for him to do something spectacular for me? Is it not enough for him to have given his life to save the world? Am I a wavering disciple who cannot be depended on? I pray: ‘Jesus, don’t leave me behind! Drag me along with you as you ‘cross over’ to a place I cannot reach without you, the kingdom of God’.

PRAYER:

Lord, let me see everything that is good around me, including nature, as the signs that I was seeking. Let me be grateful and use my energy in building the better world I desire.