Exodus 14:5-18 Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Matthew 12:38-42 The gospel reading for today is almost overshadowed by the seemingly transparent reference to the Resurrection, but the Resurrection has almost nothing to do with the point that Jesus is making. The question at issue centers on the demand for a sign and Jesus' refusal to simply work a wonder for these people as if he were some sort of performing animal. It is not as if Jesus were unwilling to heal and lift people up, but as he stresses so often, such acts are a matter of faith, an aid to honest seekers of God's love. He has, after all, already performed a number of "signs," and one more miracle is not going to overcome someone's refusal to see and believe. As for us, we are in the same position as the scribes and Pharisees
here: God has shown us in any number of ways how he loves us and cares for
us, but God is subtle and gentle, not overwhelming, and we need to seek him
in prayer and patience, in hope and in trust. We cannot expect one
act, insight, or moment in which we are finally and totally able to give
ourselves to the Lord. It is a matter of faith and patience, of awaiting
God's revelation of himself when and as he judges best. |