Monday February 16th: A sign

“I tell you no sign shall be given this generation.”

Mark 8:11-13

Before this dialogue with the Pharisees, Jesus showed his compassion by feeding 4000 people with just seven loaves and some fish, collecting seven baskets of scraps. What a sign of God’s goodness and compassion for people who had been with Jesus for three days and were hungry!

​Despite this sign of God’s compassion, the Pharisees still demanded that Jesus give them a sign. No wonder Jesus retorted that “no sign shall be given this generation.”  He was not being harsh or mean to them. They had condemned themselves because they closed their eyes and hearts to God’s graciousness in that miracle.

We are being challenged today to receive the gifts of God’s love and compassion with awe and wonder. Even in times of deep sorrow and struggle, God is bestowing “this generation” with signs of his love and care. May we open ourselves to his generosity and love.