The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?"
“Why does this generation seek a sign?"
What is it about the human spirit that makes us so argumentative? Regardless of an idea's merit -- it might be overwhelmingly right! -- it will meet opposition. Pick, pick, pick. There's something wrong with it when there's nothing wrong about it! It's very rightness seems wrong.
Today's gospel sounds so much like the evening news, it might be tiresome if it weren't about Jesus. And yet he finds it tiresome: "...he sighed from the depths of his heart!"
We can well imagine Jesus preferring not to meet Pharisees. They're hopelessly stuck in their self-conceit, and heavily armed against the slightest suggestions. They look for trouble where there is none; and finding none, they make it. Is there any point to conversation with them?
They're the ones you avoid at family gatherings. They go to hear themselves talk but you don't need to hear it.
Jesus finally dismisses them:
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”Then he left them, got into the boat again,and went off to the other shore.
But Pharisees are not easily dismissed; they're here to stay. They will have the penultimate word, but they will not have the ultimate word. That is reserved for God.
If the Pharisees are not easily dismissed they will be silenced when the Lord refuses to go away. Not even a barbaric treatment like scourging and death by crucifixion can drive the Lord from us. He stands at the door and knocks. He invites himself in, and those who belong to the Lord welcome him.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.