Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Taking the Gospel to Prayer

This is one of those texts where Jesus speaks directly. The scribes and Pharisees are seeking a sign even though they already know that Jesus can perform miracles. He not only refuses, He makes it clear that they are missing the point of the Messiah altogether. He uses Old Testament references to point to their need to repent - rather than testing Him they should hear His message and reform.

We are brought back to our own testing of God. Do we bargain - if He does this, then we will do...? Do we demand a particular action...cure my friend and then I will believe? Change this rule in the Church and I will accept the others? God may respond to us and to our prayers, but He doesn't need to prove Himself. Those issues are our own.

Lord, help me to overcome the barriers that I have placed between You and me. Please give me the grace to grow in trust and wisdom.

Lord Jesus, help me to grow closer to You today.