WHY DID JESUS NOT PROVIDE SOME SIGNS BEFORE THE PHARISEES? - 02/13/23 (Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 8:11–12

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.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021323.cfm

Blessed Monday! The Pharisees came to Jesus asking for a sign from heaven. However, our Lord did not agree to them and simply told them that they would not see a sign. These signs pertain to miracles. So, why did Jesus not provide some signs or miracles before them? There are at least two reasons for this. One reason was that the Pharisees were not genuine in their questions. Some may think that if Jesus will just show a miracle in front of them that they will believe. But, this is not the case. As we see in the gospel reading, the Pharisees came forward and began to "argue" with Jesus. They wanted to test Him and prove Him wrong. They were firm in their lack of belief because despite witnessing the healing miracles, exorcisms and other wonders of Christ, they were still planning something bad about Him. Because of their attachment to sin and unwillingness to change, they continued in this wrong path. Sometimes, we should be reminded that we can be like them in some ways. After falling to anger and other sins, we may beg for God the strength to reject such temptations and do good. But, why is it that we may fall to the same sins immediately? One reason is because despite the mercy of God, we may have not reflected on the wrongness of sin, and we may still desire to do it deep within is. 

The second reason why Jesus did not perform a sign in front of the Pharisees was because He wanted them to reflect on their own sins. If Jesus would just do what they asked to do, given that the Pharisees already had hatred of Christ deep within them, they would still reject Him and find other ways to test Him or to argue against Him. After all, in other passages, the Pharisees even went tp accuse Him of getting powers from evil spirits, which was just blasphemous. After being asked by the Pharisees, Jesus just went to a different place. We're not aware of what the Pharisees specifically thought during these moments, but that was a time for them to reflect why Jesus did that. It could be a time for them to wonder whether they were really wrong. In our own lives, we may realize that there are times when we lack peace. The truth is we can endure all trials in life and remain at peace because of Christ. But, when we feel disturbed, these are the opportunities that God has given us to reflect whether the reason why we do not have peace, which is a fruit from the Holy Spirit, is because of our sins, attachments and imperfections. In these situations, God has showing us His mercy in such a way that when we realize our shortcomings, we will persevere in our humility, do what is in accordance to God's will, and be more united with Him.  Let's not think of these moments as if God's abandoning us. The reality is He is always with us, and we should look at it from the perspective that God is inviting us to a deeper relationship with Him. 

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

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth