Jesus’ adversaries in today’s Gospel demand a sign to authenticate his message. He refuses to comply. He did not come into the world to accomplish the extraordinary on command. True religion does not define itself in the extraordinary.
The Incarnation means God became man to live a life similar to my own, to show his love for me in the ordinary way I, and the people I meet today, live out their duties, sorrows and pleasures. That’s the way I learn to see Christ and accept Him in today’s ordinary events.
Jesus “sighed from the depths of his spirit’ when he heard the repeated request of the Pharisees. In doing so he gives me a deeper understanding of the Incarnation. That mortal man can make the all- powerful God express such profound sorrow is a mystery upon which I shall contemplate today. That’s Mary’s prayer. I shall ask her help.
But part of that contemplation should include the fact that God can draw good out of the worst of evils. An event in today’s 1st reading demonstrates that well: Abel’s death is compensated by the birth of Seth. God’s plan prevails. I shall read the 1st reading to see how good can come from evil, and that way appreciate better the lesson in the Gospel. Holy Mother Mary be my special guide today.