An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign,
but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
Ask Google, "Is trust given or earned?" and you'll be given "about 74,700,000 results." Suddenly, it's become a political question as Republicans contest the 2020 presidential election while murmuring not a word about the concurrent congressional elections. They were satisfied with the 2016 election also, despite their nominee's winning only the electoral college vote. Their Democratic opponents wonder if the Republican anxiety is sincere, or motivated by fear of Mr. Trump's cynicism. Even before November 2016 he said he would not accept the election results unless he won.
Jesus's opponents want proof of his identity, and ask for a sign that he is truly the Messiah. Their question suggests they might believe in him if provides a persuasive sign. But what would that sign be? Walking on water? Feeding five thousand? Healing the sick, or raising the dead?
But "no sign will be given." There is no point in proving oneself to intractable critics -- be they Pharisees or Republicans. They're fine where they are. They have their own agenda and its been set for a very long time. They will believe only what fits their agenda conveniently. The smallest need to adjust or the slightest discomfort to their way of thinking will disprove to them beyond any reasonable doubt, the Lord's claim upon his true identity.
In the end, Jesus dismissed his critics to their own damnation. Resurrected, he appeared only to his chosen disciples, to those who had believed in him. When he ascended to God's right hand, they bestowed the Holy Spirit only upon believers. There were no further blessings for the skeptical.
"Is trust given or earned?" Google goes on to explain that,
"...trust is granted, not earned. Trust allows leaders, employees, relationships, and organizations to flourish and grow. It is fundamental to most everything in life. Lack of trust can lead to damaging relationships and a hostile environment."
That last sentence applies broadly: Lack of trust in Jesus leads to damaged relationships and a hostile environment." Faith in the Lord realigns all four relationships: with God the Father, with other people, with ourselves, and with the world in which we live.
By trusting in his word, the faithful find themselves embraced by the Trinitarian God. Saint Francis described Mary's relationship to the Lord thus:
Holy Virgin Mary... you are daughter and handmaid of the most high heavenly Father, mother of our most holy Lord Jesus Christ, and spouse of the Holy Spirit.
Each of those red words describes a physical relationship with God. Through faith the Christian also has a physical relationship with God, instituted by Baptism in water and by eating and drinking the Eucharist.
Our trust is more than imaginary; it is as real as that of the Crucified when he descended into hell. It has no agenda, no limits, and no hesitation.
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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.