The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101617.cfm)
reminds me how important it is to know and recognize signs and reminders
from God.
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. They help keep
people safe. However, signs would only be able to do that if motorists know
what the signs mean, and if these signs are followed properly.
Sometimes, or a lot of times,
we want that kind of tangible 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.
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This
generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a
sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the
sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah
became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the
Son of Man be to this generation.
At the
judgment
the queen of
the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will
condemn them,
because she
came from the ends of the earth
to hear the
wisdom of Solomon,
and there is
something greater than Solomon here.
At the
judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the
preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is
something greater than Jonah here.”
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.
Signs will only
be useful if recognized and followed.
Aside from being open to what
the signs tell us, we should also know how to recognize signs. Drivers are
supposed to take examinations to familiarize themselves with road signs.
Research should be done. In the same way, we should also exert time and effort
to know God more, so we can recognize his answers and his signs for us, and not
just be closed to our idea of sings.
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?
May
we work on our relationship with God and pray that we may be able to know and
recognize signs and reminders from Him.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another week! Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for
the times I do not recognize your signs and reminders. Sorry for being closed
to what you want and just wanting you to conform to me. 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 and recognize you, instead
of just asking for signs. Help me act and be better. Help me be more like you.
Amen.
Blessed
week!
In
Christ,
-g-
Ps
See
related reflection:
Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 467
Reading 1ROM 1:1-7
called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God,
which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh,
but established as Son of God in power
according to the Spirit of holiness
through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through him we have received the grace of apostleship,
to bring about the obedience of faith,
for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,
among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;
to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial PsalmPS 98:1BCDE, 2-3AB, 3CD-4
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
AlleluiaPS 95:8
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 11:29-32
"This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here."
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