Jesus gives a stern warning to
the crowds that are gathered, as a sign is demanded from him. Throughout
the history of the prophets in ancient Israel, signs were provided in order to
show that they were authentically speaking God's message. In Jesus' response, he tells them that he is
sign enough, that they need no further evidence from heaven.
The
people of Ninevah recognized the warning that God gave them through the prophet
Jonah, and they repented. The
Queen of Sheeba recognized God's wisdom that was communicated by Solomon. Jesus notes this to the crowds. Yet,
the religious leaders of Jesus' day were not so quick to recognize the sign
that was right before their very eyes, how Jesus was that sign for them.
Jesus
called the people of his day “an evil generation”. What
do you think he would say to us if he joined us for mass on a Sunday here at St
James in Tupelo? What about us. How would we respond to that message? Would we
listen to his message with open hearts, or would we demand all sorts of signs
and proof to authenticate his teachings and ministry? Do we listen to the prophetic messages that
are delivered in our own day, or do we scoff at them, thinking that we already
know the truth?
In a
little while in our mass, after our prayer intentions, we will celebrating the
liturgy of the Eucharist, Jesus present among us, which is truly a sign for us
and for our generation. May we thank God
for the gift of the Eucharist. May it
feed our souls and our spirits. May it
help us be open to the wisdom of God as it enters our lives through his word
and through the sacraments of our Church.
No comments:
Post a Comment