28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign. 

What did Jesus mean here? Surely it’s okay to seek a sign sometimes, right? After all, Gideon asked God for a sign—twice! (Judges 6:36-40). God himself offered the shepherds a sign to prove that the Messiah had been born (Luke 2:12). So what was Jesus’ problem?

The difference in this case was the attitude with which the requests were coming. Jesus’ detractors were almost taunting him, making demands that they were sure he couldn’t fulfill (Luke 11:15-16). What’s more, they were asking after Jesus had already produced countless signs of healing and deliverance for them to investigate. Jesus saw their suspicion and stubbornness, and so he essentially said, “Enough of this. There will be only one more sign for those who refuse to believe: the ‘sign of Jonah’—my resurrection from the dead.”

Let’s be clear. It’s okay to ask God to give you a sign that will help you discern your path or confirm a decision you’ve already made. Just be careful that you’re asking from a position of trust and faith. Give God the freedom to grant you the sign you’re looking for or to stay quiet and let you exercise your faith a little bit more.

Let’s say, for instance, that you are on your way to a job interview. Take a moment to thank God for his steadfast love for you. Thank him for his mercy and for all the times he has worked in your life up to this point. Profess your trust in his ability to provide for you and your family. Then, ask him to help you see your way more clearly. Tell him that you want to do his will, no matter what that may be, and that you will follow him, sign or no sign.

Always remember that God loves you and hears your every prayer. He knows your needs, your questions, your hopes, and your fears. He would never withhold a sign from you out of spite or to punish you. So if you have asked but he hasn’t answered yet, trust him and wait patiently for his answer.

“Father, I turn every uncertainty in my life over to you. Teach me how to live in faith and confidence in you.”

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1
Psalm 113:1-7