The Lord has made known his salvation. — Psalm 98:2

Mass readings: Romans 1:1-7 / Luke 11:29-32

Signs Enough

When an authority figure delivers a command that people would rather not follow, the first defensive response is to question the leader’s authority. That’s what the crowd was doing in today’s Gospel: “How do we know you speak in God’s name? Prove it to us. Give us sign.” But Jesus had had it with giving them signs. He had already given them one after another. If their eyes and especially their minds had been open, they would know in Whose name Jesus spoke. (A priest friend of mine says this passage is further evidence that Jesus was fully human: He was in a bad mood.)

We like it when God speaks in tender, consoling words. We’re not so eager to listen when He tells us to shape up. We need that message, too.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to heed the words I sometimes would rather not hear.