The controversy over Sign

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Third Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:30-35*

*First Reading : Acts 7:51—8:1a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab*

*The controversy over Sign*

*1) The Demand for Signs vs. the Call to Faith*

This question is asked after Jesus had just miraculously fed the five thousand (John 6:1–14). 

Despite witnessing a profound sign, the crowd still asks for another. 

This shows the spiritual blindness or hardness of heart—they see but do not perceive (cf. Matthew 13:13). 

Faith, as Jesus teaches, is not built solely on signs but on trust in Him as the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

Are we seeking God only for His wonders, or do we trust Him even when there are no signs?

*2) What Signs Did They Expect?*

*A) A Repetition of the Manna Miracle*

They expected Jesus to duplicate or surpass Moses' miracle—not just feeding thousands once, but providing daily, miraculous bread as Moses did.

*B) A Political Messiah's Power*

Many Jews expected the Messiah to perform national, dramatic signs—perhaps deliverance from Roman rule, military victory, or visible manifestations of glory (cf. John 6:15, where they tried to make Him king).

*C) Signs That Served Their Physical Needs*

After being fed, they pursued Jesus for more (John 6:26). Their idea of signs was tied to material satisfaction, not spiritual truth.

*3) Echo of Israel’s Past*

The people reference the manna in the wilderness (John 6:31), recalling Moses as the provider. 

But Jesus corrects them, teaching that it was not Moses, but God who gave the bread from heaven.

Now, God gives the true bread from heaven—Jesus Himself.

Do we recognize God’s provision in Christ, or are we clinging to past experiences and human expectations?

*4) A Call to Deeper Belief*

In the larger context of John 6, Jesus challenges His hearers to go deeper—from physical hunger to spiritual nourishment. 

He invites them to believe in the One whom God has sent (John 6:29). 

Belief is not passive—it is a full surrender to the person of Christ.

*5) Things to Remember*

*A) Signs Without Faith Never Satisfy*

Even after seeing the feeding of the 5,000, they wanted more proof. This shows that miracles do not automatically lead to faith—without openness of heart, even the greatest signs are not enough (cf. Luke 16:31).

*B) Seeking the Gift, Not the Giver*

The crowd wanted the benefits of Jesus without the surrender He asked for. Jesus invites them to believe in Him, not just in His works.

*C) Jesus Himself is the Ultimate Sign*

Later in this chapter, Jesus reveals that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He is not just a miracle-worker; He is the sign, the fulfillment of all God’s promises.

*D)Faith Sees Beyond the Visible*

Jesus teaches that true faith is not about being dazzled by wonders but trusting in Him even when things are unseen (cf. John 20:29).

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*