Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
It seems we are constantly bombarded by news of the presence evil in our world today. It is impossible to deny this reality; the evidence is too clear cut. But this lack of balance in daily news reporting has the potential to lead some to emotional numbness and apathy or deep frustration and anger which may begin to seem justified. Many may feel there is a conspicuous absence of God’s presence and activity in the world. Now, more than ever, those who are disciples of Jesus must be a sign that God is indeed alive and living among us.
Today's Gospel passage relates the encounter of the scribes and Pharisees with Jesus. Despite all the miracles and exorcisms and preaching, they ask Jesus to show them a sign that he is of God; Jesus calls them an “evil generation”. They make no effort to see Jesus authentically being interested only in defaming him, getting rid of him, and preserving their control; the sign of God they sponsored was utterly spurious. This rigid way is all about control and fear. It is about as far from the authentic person of Jesus as one can get. Sadly, the people who are placed in their spiritual care are hindered from or completely denied a genuine experience of their Creator. These days—maybe especially in these days—WE must be the authentic sign of God’s presence in the world. A life of radically committed discipleship, seeking the good and the true and the beautiful, and showing it to others in the ordinary circumstances of our everyday lives is what we are called to do. This is particularly challenging when there are so many people making claims and passing judgment on others in the name of Jesus. The true person of Jesus can be so easily obscured by the loudest voices.
We are a sign of Jesus. We are a sign of the presence of God in every place and every time. May the gift of our adoption spur us to action, fighting against any temptation away from perseverance. May the grace granted us at every second sustain our hope and courage. May we live as Christians who embrace the deep mystery of God and carry God’s mercy and love into the world and our communities. May we share the faith that sustains us in the darkest of hours. And when those darkest of moments come to pass, may we be a sign of God’s presence to the world.
--Gail Lyman