The Gospel for Monday of the sixth week in Ordinary Time is taken from Mark 8th chapter 11 to the 13th verse. The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from Him a sign from heaven to test Him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, why does this generation seek a sign? Amen. I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation. And he left them, got into the boat and went off to the other shore.

Jesus seldom walked away from people, but in this case what we see is he’s aware so much that the Pharisees, who are the fruit of of the work of the Temple, have really not paid attention to Scripture. And even though Jesus has been referenced so often in the Old Testament, they seem clueless to who he really is. They keep saying in a way, who are you? Who are you? Jesus then seems to be somewhat irritated. How can you say to Me, who have fulfilled so many things that are written in Scripture, that you don’t know who I am?

Take a few moments to reflect upon these images and then I will close with a prayer. Foreign the closing prayer. Father, deepen our conviction in your words that we have so beautifully stated in the New Testament. Remove from us any misconceptions that we might have from those who have not understood who you are and have preached a different message. Give us the openness to truly see you, know you, and believe in youn. And we ask this in Jesus name.

Amen.