Gospel Reflection

July 23, 2012

Monday
Weekday

by Rev. Fr. Roland Roberto ( Diocese of Cubao )

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:   Micah 6:1-4, 6-8

Psalm:             Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23

Gospel:            Matthew 12:38-42

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

HOMILY
The problem with people today is that we always look for signs. Normally, we want to see something solid - something concrete first, before we believe. Faith in God is not like that. Sometimes, God's miracles are found in the very ordinary things of life - when we wake up in the morning alive and well, when we are able to help a friend in need, when we kiss our loved ones as we go out of the house, when there is unpoisoned air to breath, and unpoisoned water to drink - these are all God's miracles. It is through these small, ordinary things that God's grand works are done. The problem is we miss the point, as we have become too busy, too materialistic, too demanding of signs.
Fr. Roland shared a story of a man and woman who became sweethearts - both are already very sick. But still, they always manage to go out to stroll, to go on a date, to hold hands and be sweet to each other. One day, the girl told the boy "You know, I have always traveled and have also held hands with my other lovers. I have also gone out on dates, and have spent money to enjoy with friends. But now I know the difference - and that is, this time, I paid attention".
Let us pray for God's grace, that we may appreciate God's great works even in the most ordinary things - to believe, even if we do not see. Beyond our sights and senses (eyes, ears, nose, etc), let us pay attention and let our hearts see God's love and miracles every day.