Jesus, true God and true man, is perfectly capable of giving the Pharisees what they are asking for. Why, then, would he choose to walk away? Father White writes, “Jesus is much more than a miracle worker…He wants to give us eternal life, eternal salvation…nothing less than union with himself…our Lord knows the Pharisees’ hearts and he knows that even if he provides yet another sign, it will not necessarily resolve their skepticism…Jesus is calling their bluff. He knows the…way out of their skepticism is if they finally open their hearts to him with simplicity, faith, and trust.”
How often have I, in my addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, approached the Lord similarly? I cannot count the number of times I cried out, bargained, tested, or just plain begged for a resolution to my problems. Where was God, and why wasn’t He answering me? Father White continues, “Very often, God can seem distant or slow to respond…at these moments especially…the Lord invites us to deepen our faith—to cling to him not only for what he can do for us but for who He Is…faith is not the result of signs or miracles, but a loving and trustful surrender to God, taking him at his word.”
A fruitful recovery is not based on a desire for signs or miracles but on coming to Jesus with all our burdens, failures, and weaknesses and trusting that He will make all things right. The Lord stands at the door of our hearts and will never walk away from us. If we invite Him in, He will repair, restore, and transform our lives so that we may spend eternity with Him.
Reflection Questions
- In your recovery journey, have you been approaching the Lord with skepticism or trust? Are you looking for the miracle itself or the Giver of all miracles?
- What are your thoughts and reactions to this insight: “faith is not the result of signs or miracles, but a loving and trustful surrender to God, taking him at his word”?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Genesis 4:1-15, 25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:1,8, 16bc-17, 20-21
Gospel: Mark 8:11-13
Reflection by Talitha R.