A Sign

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? 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.
Mark 8:11-13

Reflection:
He sighed from the depths of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign?" Was Jesus disappointed in the Pharisees? Most likely!

How many times have we sighed deeply when our patience was coming to an end or when someone just does not grasp the question. But then again if we are clear in our questions, it wouldn't be hard to grasp now would it. How often we are called into question to show proof of what we did? When the proof is right there before their eyes.

Jesus had a lot to answer for with the Pharisees. Nothing Jesus did pleased them or made them believers. Jesus must have felt like he was butting heads with the most stubborn lot of people. How about us? Do we crave a sign like the Pharisees? And do we treat Jesus the same way as them. Causing Jesus to sigh from the depths of his spirit because we are just as stubborn.

I was thinking how we try our parents many times and how they too would sigh when we have gone on with our begging and whining to get something. Did it achieve anything, not really. All it did was cause the parents to sigh even more. Especially if it was something that we did not need. How a parent is smart to guard what is given, it teaches to value that not all is given when we expect it.

Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot

They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.
Mark 3:2

Reflection:
We tend to do this with our neighbors, not the neighbors that live next door to us, but those we associate with on a daily basis or for some those passing by. We watch them to see what they are doing, and for some to report every move they make. We are like the Pharisees, ready to condemn when someone is not up to par.

The Pharisees were judging Jesus and Jesus went one better and did what God wanted of him. He healed a person of their infirmity. Because Jesus was doing something that was not in line with the law yet was, he was taken to task for it. He was doing good on the Sabbath.

When we are doing something good and right, how often others seek our destruction out of jealousy. Were the Pharisees then self-centered to the point that they were jealous of Jesus because he knew the law better than they did. That his doing good was what he and we are supposed to be doing.

Do we go about our day looking to condemn our neighbor because they are doing good and we are not. Is this why we act like the Pharisees? Only God knows our hearts, let us all strive to imitate Jesus and do good always.