Give us a sign.
Our lives are surrounded by them – signs. Traffic signs, billboards, political ads; the possibilities are endless. Each communicates a message about something that might influence our lives. Every sign, either audio, visual, or even a gesture, is a missive, and it’s up to us to choose.
The Pharisees requested that Jesus give them a sign to prove he was truly from God. They wanted to see something spectacular. Jesus answered them that he was the sign of God’s presence to mankind. The only indication they will receive is from Jonah’s experience of being in the whale for three days and nights. Jesus will be in the heart of the earth for the same length of time until his resurrection. Those who believed in Jesus’ divinity needed no sign. His compassion and forgiveness of sins made followers of all who doubted. Some Christians need miracles, voices from heaven, for reassurance. True disciples rely on God’s presence, that he is at work in the regular, even mundane events and relationships that make up our days. We don’t need signs and wonders to believe.
Jesus makes a difference by the deliberate choices we make. Each opportunity is a challenge to us to make our world a better place. When we doubt, when we falter, we turn to Jesus. We pray more consistently, more unfailingly. Every prayer transforms something. It changes us because it enriches our relationship with God. We look to his Cross, a sign, for guidance and inspiration. The miracles that happen in our lives are reminders of who he was, who he still is, of his influence on our existence. The grace we need to follow him is always available for us. Changes at the celebration of the Eucharist happen when the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood. Are you changed by this experience? Does it make a difference in you?
Let us pray.
My loving God, I am so aware of the way you worked in my life today. The challenges and opportunities you gave me have helped to make me a better child of yours. Continue to be with me, to give me the strength I need so that I may choose to be your hands and feet in our mixed-up world. With your grace, may I become the person you desire me to be, a blessing to others throughout tomorrow.
