First Reading: Rm 1:1-7; Psalm: 98. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Lk 11: 29-32

FAITH OVER SIGNS

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

In today’s gospel, Jesus called the increasing crowd a wicked generation because they asked for signs. They clearly were not ready to listen to Jesus or to believe in him unless he performed a sign to prove to them that he was from God. Jesus was disappointed by their hardness of heart and what such a large crowd would miss for choosing signs in place of faith.

Jesus did not yield to their request because signs or miracles are not a precondition to faith. By his life, death and resurrection, Jesus would reveal to the world that he is the Messiah. And this was the best sign the world witnessed. Jesus warned the crowd of their impending commendation if they failed to come to faith by his paschal mystery (his life, death, and resurrection). For he is greater than Solomon and Jonah who by their life and preaching changed the people of their own generation.   

God really does not need to prove himself for us to believe in him. God does not have to do things our own way to win us over. There are people who believe that the only way God can prove to them that he is God is by granting their request. Whether God answers our prayers or not, does not in any way change who God truly is. Our problem is that we have refused to acknowledge the numerous blessings we already have received from God which is enough to prove God’s loves and care over us. There is no greater blessing than the gift of eternal life that Jesus offered to us. If we failed to embrace it through faith and good works; our condemnation will be great on the Day of Judgment.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, increase our faith. Amen.