Signs Again...

Gospel: John 4: 43-54

In today's Gospel portion, Jesus again grows exasperated over those who seek signs.  Their faith is ever dependent on an endless quest for signs.  Such is not faith in any way.  Jesus does heal the young boy in this story, though not in order to perform a sign so people might believe but rather out of love and compassion for the boy and his family.  There is a world of difference between the two motives.  

The definitive mark of authentic faith comes not in these episodes of miracles but rather in the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Here is where authentic faith will be found.  What will become of the sign-seekers then? What of us? Will we be with the crowd calling for Jesus' execution? Will we be with the esteemed apostolic college who betrayed, denied, and fled the scene? Or will we be with the small band of women who stood faithful at the cross?

Lent is the time of year where our faith is put to the test in reflecting on these Gospel passages and applying them to our lives.  It is our time for committing to be with the women at the cross and not with the crowd or those of special rank and status who fail the Master.  It is also a time to stand before Jesus in our failure, not receiving his condemnation but only his question: do you love me?