Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 15 February, 2021

 Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Year B, 15 February, 2021

Readings: Gen. 4:1-15,25, Ps. 49, Mark: 8:11-13

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 

SEEKING FOR SIGNS

 

The Pharisees in our Gospel passage today asked Jesus for sign in order to test him. But Jesus with a sigh that came straight from the heart said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’ This response was as a result of pride which has blindfolded the Pharisees who refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah that very sign that they seek.  And this same pride is what we saw in the life of Cain in our first reading today.

 Here, Cain was overcome by pride and ego and he killed his brother because he saw that his offerings were not accepted by God while the offerings of Abel was accepted by the Lord. As a result, he fell deeper into sin. 

Dear friends, pride can make us blind in such a manner that we will continue to seek for signs even when things are clear and obvious in our lives. And Jesus is saying that in the midst of proud people no sign will be given. But, what signs are we seeing around us today? How can we interpret the signs of this times, the signs that tell us that this world is passing away? Do these signs make us to dread the second coming of the Lord or do we joyfully embrace it in anticipation? 

Hence, Jesus warns us not to waste our time seeking for signs, rather we should be prepared, we should remain firm in faith. He reminds us that he is the only sign that can be given to humanity. Therefore, we are not to be like the Pharisees who are looking for signs especially in times of trials, rather we should seek for wisdom to make things right.

LET US PRAY: Lord Jesus, you are the sign that we seek,  as we embrace your word today give us the grace to be humble in order to follow you our Lord and Saviour. And as we carryout our task this week, may your favour be with us now and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed week ahead.