Readings
I - Jas. 1: 1-11
II - Mk. 8:11-13
Sts. Cyril and Methodius (Memorial)
ASK NO SIGN BUT BELIEVE
In today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees seek Jesus for a sign from heaven to test him. Jesus sighs at the willful neglect and rebellious attitude of the Pharisees despite witnessing wonders and miracles that he had worked among them until then. Therefore Jesus declines the Pharisees’ request, get into the boat and goes to the other side.
We are in no way better than the Pharisees. We all would have experienced and can vouch for God’s miraculous hands in our very lives even in the minutest details. Still, when the time comes, we too do demand for a sign from God. A heart that loves and trusts never asks for sign. Conviction asserts faith against all doubts and disbelief scoring off all disbelief and doubts. Be convinced of God’s love that kindle trust and hope in Him at all times and in all circumstances.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of two brothers, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. They were Byzantine theologians and missionaries. They took the Gospel to the Slavs in their own slav vernaculars developing the alphabets and translating the Bible and the liturgical books. Ardent and convinced evangelizsers who proclaimed Christ against all odds! May these saints intercede for us as our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, I trust in you”
