What Sign?

Gospel: John 6: 30-35

"What sign can you do for us so we can believe in you?" The very question belies the fact that no faith is present in those who ask, nor will any be forthcoming even if their request is granted.  For the sign has to meet their expectations, and when it does not they will walk away and reject Jesus.  Besides, Jesus had already performed a number of signs before this encounter, but like Israel in the desert they quickly forget. They need continual spectacles in order to remain interested.

How much is our faith like this! How often do we place conditions on God for our participation in life with God.  Perform this healing for me, and I will go to church.  If the church does not endorse all my political positions and candidates, I will not attend.  We are not so different from this crowd that will come to reject Jesus.  The only difference is that we will claim adherence to Jesus while still creating these conditionals that betray a heart that in reality has no faith.  

Jesus only has himself to offer us; God only has God to offer us.  We only have ourselves to offer as well.  Anything else is a false idol.  The example of Jesus, the mercy of God extended to all, is sufficient for all our needs.  It is for us to respond to that love and mercy and extend it to others as it has been extended to us.  That is the sign; it is all we need.