“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Monday, 13thFebruary 2017.
Sixth Week in the Ordinary Time
Gen 4: 1-15, 25;
Ps 50: 1, 8, 16-17;
Mk 8: 11-13
MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN!
Between two boat trips (Mk 8:10 and 8:13), Mark reports a brief encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees who ask him to provide them with a ‘sign’ from God that will authenticate what He was doing. Considering the many miracles Jesus had already performed, it is surprising at first that the Pharisees would ask for another. What the Pharisees want is not another healing or exorcism or feeding or subjugation of nature but a ‘sign from heaven,’ i.e., an apocalyptic manifestation that would prove beyond all doubt that Jesus has God’s approval.
Indignantly Jesus refuses the request for a sign and leaves them standing as he departs by boat to the other side of the sea. Certainly his departure is an indication of his displeasure toward the Pharisees. Quite often we too are incredulous of God’s signs of love manifested constantly in our lives. Our shallow faith coupled with our intellectual and spiritual arrogance and pride blinds us to perceive innumerable miracles and signs done in and for us. Our faith journey demands that we remain docile and open to God, for He reveals his love in simplicity and humility.
It’s interesting that we rarely think of Jesus’ love for the Pharisees. Often, we only think of Him being harsh to them and condemning them. But every strong word He directed toward them was aimed at converting them out of love. It was an attempt, on His part, to shake them out of their indifference and rejection of grace. It was an act of love. Let us reflect, if we are like the Pharisees who reject the free gift of love Jesus is offering?
Prayer: Lord, help me to love with a pure and holy love. Help me to feel a holy sorrow over my sins and the sins of others when I encounter their sins. Let that holy sorrow compel me to love more deeply. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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