Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

At first glance, today’s gospel reading might seem to suggest that Jesus is against asking for signs. But most of us seek signs. I sought a sign when I felt called to entering the convent.. In fact, the first time when I was thinking of it, I did not join as I did not receive any sign. It was many years later, after I finished college, and had worked for a few years, that the call came again. And, a sign. So, it couldn’t be that Jesus was opposed to seeking signs or affirmations. Why then does Jesus accuse the people around him of being an evil generation that is looking for a sign? If we read the verses before today’s reading, we will see that the people are accusing Jesus of performing his miracles and healings through the power of Beelzebul, the prince of devils. Their interior disposition, as in the case of the teacher in our story, was one of distrust and disbelief. It is this disposition that Jesus is criticizing, saying that the only sign that would be given them would be the sign of Jonah, referring to his own death and resurrection.  

As I reflected on the reading, the word that came to mind was “receptivity.” As believers of Jesus, we already acknowledge the sign of God’s love for us through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. But how receptive are we to the manifestation of that love in our daily lives? What is our interior disposition even in the midst of turmoil and strife? Are we able to recognize God working through us, and through others, performing little miracles in our own world?

During this season of Lent, I pray that our interior disposition of Hope, Faith, and Love in a God who loves us grows.