GOD'S SIGNS – 02/14/22 (Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius)

Mark 8:11-13

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. 12 And He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again He departed to the other side.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

For more information on Saints Cyril and Methodius, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-14-saints-cyril-monk-and-methodius-bishop/

Blessed Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius! The boat is a symbolism of faith. As it travels, it encounters many waves that represent the trials in life. But, why do we find it difficult and even fall when we encounter such problems? It can be because of our doubts as seen in the case of the Pharisees. Even after witnessing the numerous miracles and exorcisms that Jesus already performed, the Pharisees still doubted Him, and they were asking for a sign, not out of faith, but to test Him. Their hearts remained close to Him. 

We can stumble in our journey if we doubt Him. This can happen when we find it difficult for us to believe that we can practice virtues, that we can overcome our personal problems or that we can avoid our sins. However, we should recognize that we struggle in our spiritual journey, so we can learn to trust in God even more. Jesus is teaching us that we should not be overconfident in ourselves thinking that we can be holy by our own strength. Rather, we should have complete confidence in the strength of God alone. We should not be discouraged. God has already given the signs of His presence to us through the graces He gives to us to persevere, the mercy He bestows to us even amidst our weaknesses and the blessings He grants to us. May we never forget how God strengthened us in the past as a clear manifestation of His love for us. 

Faith that is tested by many trials will produce perseverance. The more we recognize our imperfections, the more we have to pray for God's graces because only He can make our works bear fruit. And, when we ask, it should be done with faith, not with doubt. We should have confidence that God is guiding us to His plan. Let's not be afraid to ask for God's sign, an authentic peace. If we open our hearts to Him, we can see the lasting peace as a sign that we are following God's will. No matter how strong or many our obstacles are, as long as we remain in Christ, He will peacefully bring us to heavenly shores.

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic