Why does this generation seek a sign?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 6th Week: Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 8:11-13*

*First Reading : Jas 1:1-11*

*Why does this generation seek a sign?*

*1) The Question of Sign*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the aspect of Sign. 

In this particular context sign may refer to a miracle or an action which can prove the divinity of Jesus 

In this context, the Gospel has a beautiful question *Why does this generation seek a sign?*

This question is relevant for all people at all time 

*2) Why Pharisees needed a sign?*

The Gospel clearly says that Pharisees came to Jesus asking for a sign 

They came and argued with Jesus and not requested for a sign 

The sign they needed from Jesus, only to challenge Jesus, to belittle him, and to question his divinity 

In no way the Pharisees had good intention to have sign from Jesus 

*3) Do I seek sign from Jesus?*

Seeking a sign from Jesus expresses the lack of faith in Jesus 

What do I do, when I am 

Challenged? When I am trapped? When evey one leaves my hand? 

What will be my response? 

*4) Jesus itself is the great Sign*

When there is a clear and visible sign, there is no question of asking for another sign 

The Pharisees knew that Jesus is the great Sign, yet they were not ready to accept the fact 

This shows their arrogance and hypocrisy

If they had asked for a genuine reason Jesus would have definitely help them in certain way to clarify their doubts 

Since their intention was wrongly motivated, Jesus didn't give them any signs 

*5) Faith can not only remain at the level of Signs*

The Gospel of the day also gives us a great challenge to check whether our faith is at the level of signs or at deeper level 

A faith, which purely based on the signs could be like seed fell on the rocky ground or among Thorny bushes, which fails to produce any fruits 

Is my faith depends only on signs? 

*6) The great Signs today*

Eucharist is one of the best signs we have 

Crucifix 

Word of God 

Adoration 

Sacrament of reconciliation 

Power of prayer 

Weapon of Rosary 

Our life itself is a great sign 

Have a discovered the deeper meaning of these above signs?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*