THOSE WHO DO NOT LOVE JESUS SEEK FOR A SIGN

Monday, July 24, 2023

16th week in ordinary time

First Reading. Exodus14: 5-18

Psalm. 15: 1-6 (R.1a).

Gospel. Matthew 12: 38-42

TOPIC FOR REFLECTION

THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN HAS BLINDED OUR FAITH

The fear of the unknown has destroyed many of us today. The fear has blinded us so that we never see the good tidings that lie ahead of us. The situations of our life seem to have created unknown fear in us because the future seems never to be bright at all. All hope seems to be lost.

Hence, the ugly situations have made many of us feel God does not exist, and if He does exist, we need a sign as a prove.

Yet, in today's first reading, Moses told the sons and daughters of Israel not to fear that the Egyptians they see today, they shall see no more.

I, on my part, joined my voice with that of Moses that the problematic situation we find ourselves in today, we shall see no more in no distance time. 

Although, some of us are very much comfortable with our present predicaments. We are often afraid to come out of it. The fear of the unknown has enveloped many just because all hope is lost.

Therefore, we will often ask for a sign like the scribes and Pharisees seek for a sign from Jesus in today's Gospel.

Jesus told them categorically saying: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 

Do you know why Jesus said this is an evil generation, because when...

1. Jonah preached in Nineveh, and they repented, but Jesus who is more than Jonah is here, but they never listen. 

The reason is that the people of Nineveh repented when Jonah preached to them, and never seek for a sign; today Jesus who is Lord above Jonah preaches, and we seek a sign. 

Hmmm, what an irony of the highest order!

Presently, happening under our noses, an ordinary man who is not an ordained minister, a self-acclaimed person will prophesy to us, and we will believe blindly, but if an ordained priest of God, says any truthful things, we seek for a prove. Hmmm 🤔 

2. The Queen of South came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, but present with us is the fullness of Wisdom, Jesus Christ the Lord, yet we do not value Him.

What an irony of the highest order!

My dear, let us reflect on the above two points Jesus raised in today's Gospel, and put ourselves in the position of Jesus. Imagine, you as the head of the family try to make your family see the truth, and suddenly some of them made it clear to you that, they believed the truth they hear from outside than yours, and demanded a sign before they can believe you.

In the first place, you will know that they do not love you, do not trust you, do not value you, do not respect you, have no confidence in all you do or say, etc.

I guess you will feel bad about it because all your sincere effort to make them see the truth is a waste of time. Now,  apply these scenarios back to Jesus. You can now understand what and how Jesus felt.

Still, in the spirit of the love of God for us, I will conclude with the beautiful words of prayer and consolation Moses gave to the Israelites.

“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never, see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” 

These words of encouragement were said when the Egyptians were approaching the Israelites and God told Moses to stretch out his staff to divide the red sea into two. 

Hence, the Lord's plan to finally deliver His children from the hands of their enemy commences. 

So, be still and know that God is God. He who delivers the Israelites will deliver us one day, a day we least expect. Do not lose hope 🙏. 

Peace ✌️ be with you. 

Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.