15th February, Monday
I. Genesis 4: 1-15, 25
II. Mk 8: 11-13Theme: Have faith to see the wonders of God in our life.
Today we are called have deepen faith to see the wonders of God in our life. When we read today's gospel two questions arise in our minds. Firstly 'Why did the Pharisees ask for a sign from Jesus? Second why did Jesus refuse to show the Heavenly sign for Pharisees? Gospel of the day clearly reminds us that unless we have faith in Jesus and really desire him, we may not see his heavenly sign. All the wonders that Jesus did were the sign from heaven that the Pharisees were demanding. Jesus is not going to perform for these people who are simply looking for another way to reject and accuse him. It was Satan who demanded a sign from Jesus when tempting him in the desert. In the Gospel of Mt 7:6 Jesus says Do not give what is holy to dogs, never throw your pearls to the swine. If anyone cannot accept what they have already seen and heard there is no point in any further demonstration of his authority. St. Thomas Aquinas says that “for one who believes no miracle is necessary, but one who does not believe no sign is enough”. Therefore, Jesus said to them no sign will be given to them and left for the other side of the lake. We read in the Gospel of St. John 3:19 This is the judgment Light has come to the world but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Yes, let our hard work not go waste but use it for the good of people and the society. Let us question ourselves how much faith we have in Jesus. As we are all looking for Gods wonder in our life let us ask God to strengthen our faith.
Bro. Martin SMM
II BTh