JESUS CHOSE THE SIGNS HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE:
+ BAPTISM
+ EUCHARIST
+ THE CHURCH
EVERY SIGN DEMANDS FAITH. IF YOU SEE THE TRAFFIC SIGN "STOP" YOU STOP BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THE SIGN. OUR FAITH THEREFORE CONTAINS OUR OBEDIENCE. OBEDIENCE RELEASES THE POWER OF FAITH.
"While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." (Luke 11: 29...32).
JONAH IS LIKE THE TRAFFIC SIGN "STOP!"
Wednesday 9th March 2022, of the 1st Week of Lent is the feast of St Frances of Rome. (1384 - 1440). Italian. A married woman who raised three children in the way of the Lord. Frances became a Benedictine Oblate and founded a community of Oblates in the heart of Rome. Besides being a wife and mother, Frances was a mystic and very involved in charitable services in Rome. In Frances, we have a unique example of love in marriage as well as in religious life.
In the first Reading, Jonah preached to the Ninivites and shared the testimony of his stay in the belly of the whale. The people and their king heard the message. They believed and repented.
St Paul preached to the Greeks in the Areopagus. They listened attentively but did not believe.
Jesus told the crowd today: No more miracles for you. You keep looking for a big sign from heaven to prove that I am the Messiah. But what happened to Jonah is the only sign you will get.
My friends, where are you today in your spiritual walk? Are you still looking for more signs? Listen to what Abraham said to DIVES in the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus. The former rich man denied Lazarus the least sign that his life matters.
‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16: 31).
The Church is an authentic sign of the existence and presence of God in the world today. During the consistory of November 24, 2007, Pope Benedict said that the gathering of Bishops and people from every part of the world is a sign of the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. It is also a sign that God is with the Church. Such a gathering is not possible by human means.
We have in the Church all the signs we need. The Church of the living God is the sign of salvation. This Church subsists in the One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ. This Church has visible structures. It exists in almost every country in the world. The Church has one Shepherd, one Liturgy and holds the entire Deposit of Faith.
What is Christ's sign for us today?
+ The Church.
+ The Eucharist and Baptism.
What more are we looking for? There will be no more signs till the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
Some of your dates are off in the daily bible readings. At least twice this week they have February instead of March. But, they are worthwhile and of interest nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Corrected the 2 dates.
ReplyDeletePeace and serenity to you always. You have become a partner in this ministry. 🙏