Evil Signs

Gospel: Matthew 12: 38-42

Jesus repeatedly rejects the seeking of signs and calls such enterprises evil.  We are shocked at such a condemnation largely because we base our faith today on the seeking of such signs.  Whether it is in the enamor of faith healers or Marian apparitions  or some other alleged manifestation of God's power, we are incessantly in search of such things to convince ourselves that what we believe is true.  We continually seek permanence and certitude in an impermanent world where faith is required.  To seek signs is to reject faith.

What is more, Jesus spends his entire life of ministry going about performing deeds of love and mercy to others.  He heals the sick and infirm.  He frees people from their demons.  He nourishes and feeds people at table.  To seek a sign is to say that love and mercy are inadequate, that God is in fact not love and that mercy is not God's greatest attribute.  To seek signs is to seek what, then?  It is truly an evil undertaking to seek signs.

The life of an authentic believer is to follow the Lord Jesus in our life.  It is to have the faith he had in God.  It is to love and extend mercy to others as he did in the world.  Existence itself is enough for us to know God in our lives.  Love alone is the sign we need that what we are about is good, true, and beautiful.  It is the one and only permanent thing in an impermanent universe.