The WORD today (See http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072114.cfm) reminds me how much we are fond of signs.
Road signs are very important and helpful, especially if one is not familiar with the road. It tells motorists where to go, how to go there, what the rules, are, etc. If followed properly, it keeps people safe, and brings one to the destination.
Sometimes, or a lot of times, we want that kind of sign from God too.
Why not?
Who would not want affirmation or assurance of what God wants us to do in a specific situation? Who would not want what God wants us to choose, or where he wants us to go? Even people in the bible asked for signs from God.
However, it can also be taken out of bounds.
In the gospel we see Jesus warning the people about asking for signs. While it is normal to ask for signs, it becomes bad if the heart is closed to God’s signs. It is bad if the heart wants God to conform to what we want, not for us to be open to what God wants. The people of Nineveh were living in sin, and did not ask for a sign. But when God sent Jonah to warn them, they repented. However, the people already have Jesus with them to warn them and preach to them, but their hearts were closed. They did not want him, they wanted a sign based on their own expectations and standards. They wanted God to conform to what they want, that’s why Jesus said no sign will be given to them.
How about us? Do we ask for signs or do what we can – reading the bible, praying, receiving the sacraments, to know what God wants us to do and how God wants us to live our lives? If we ask for signs, are we open and sensitive to get and recognize signs not just based on what we want, but what God wants? Or do we want God to conform to what sign we want from Him?
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another week! Lord, I pray that you always make you presence alive in my life. Help me do my part so I will always be sensitive to you. May I work and do my part to build a strong and personal relationship with you, so that I would know you more, instead of just asking for signs. Amen.
Blessed week!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
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