Gospel: Mark 8: 11-13
People come to Jesus all the time - in our day as well as his own - seeking a sign, some spectacle and wonder that will cause them to believe in God. But this is not faith. It is an insecure person who wants to continually be reassured of their own belief system through entertainment religion. It is holding God hostage to our own need for sparkly shiny things. It is an attitude of selfishness that has nothing to do with authentic faith and religion.
All of us have already received the one miracle necessary: the forgiveness and mercy of God in the person of Jesus. This sign is both necessary and sufficient; everything else will pass away. But Jesus has one condition for us in giving this gift of mercy to us: we ourselves must become instruments of mercy in the world. We must show mercy to others by concrete acts of care and love for others. If we live this life of mercy extended to others, then we will indeed see wonderful and marvelous things. We will see reconciliation, forgiveness, and an outpouring of love that will transform the world.
If we ask for signs, Jesus will not give signs to us. But if we seek to be the sign, the sign of mercy and reconciliation in the world, then that will be given to us and we will see marvelous things indeed. A selfish faith can never see signs. Only a faith that is selfless and given for others can see the wonders God has in store for a life of mercy.
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