Monday 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Luke 11: 29-32

Give Me A Sign

Mount Carmel, Galilee

There are some rather bleak words in today’s Gospel.  People complaining to God – give me a sign!  An evil generation!  Condemnation and judgement!  Nations rising up against another! It all seems rather hopeless!  Frankly it feels like watching the news these past few months! War and violence!  Racist language and playing the blame game!  Harsh words, even worse behavior!  Nation against nation, party against party, neighbor against neighbor!

Signs are demanded and, when signs are given, they are ignored.  It feels almost as if Jesus is speaking directly to us today and His words resonate with all that we are dealing with: political unrest, pandemic, hatred, racial unrest, anger and bitterness, selfishness and a lack of basic kindness.  Is it any wonder sometimes that people are demanding a sign from above – show me that things will get better!  But that demand also displays a certain lack of faith in God, trust that He has a plan and we need a bit (okay, a good, healthy dose) of patience and trust!

Maybe what we really need is to flip things around!  What if it’s God saying those words!  Give me a sign!!  Show me that you still trust Me!  Show Me a bit of faith and confidence!  Show Me that you still believe!  Are you still praying?  Are you still looking out for your neighbors?  Are you still noticing the good in the world and not being overwhelmed by the bad?  Are you still hoping that today will be a better day?  Do you still see Me and acknowledge My presence in your life?  Do you take comfort in the words of Scripture?  In the Gospel parables?

Are you still there?  Do you still believe in Me?  Do you still place your trust in Me?  Do you still love Me? Give Me a sign!

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