Mt 12:38-42 We wish to see a Sign from You

Matthew 12:38-42

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We wish to see a sign from you

When someone needs to prove who they are, they usually pull out a passport, or a driver’s license, or a birth certificate. I have always found this very amusing since the best proof of who I am will always be my presence, “myself”, and not some pieces of paper. How does God “prove” himself? With his presence. No sign is needed.

What do we wish for?

“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” In many ways this statement is a reasonable one. Why not show us a sign? After all, if Jesus is who he claims to be, then show us! The reality however is this: All the miracles that the Lord performed were never enough to satisfy the crowd. Jesus spoke wisely when he gave the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. He said, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31). What do we really wish for? In the end, we really have no idea! That’s probably why it’s not an idea or an ideal that we wish for, but a person: Jesus Christ.

Believing in “The Word”

Christ is Lord. Is there anything else we need? Isn’t God enough? G.K. Chesterton wrote, “There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.” There are those who chase after every single visionary, or vision, or Marian sighting, hoping to get more and more of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s messages. But faith based on sightings is not faith at all. We know the Lord, we know him better than his contemporaries. We know Him through His word. We know Him through His Church. We know Him through our experiences, both personal and of the human community. There is no disputing the amazing and unique impact Christ had on all who heard him. His word is simple and breathes life into us. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95:7). There are many who speak to me. Only one speaks for me? Jesus Christ.

Worshiping “The Word”

True faith leads to true worship - worship that is directed towards Him and not to me. “Hear what the Lord says, ‘Arise, present your plea before the mountains, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me!” (Micah 6:1) Has the Lord not done enough for us? If so, we are not worshiping Him but rather ourselves. The Lord has brought us out of the land of slavery to the Promised Land. The Lord has washed away my sins, with his own blood, and will lead me to Heaven. Is there anything that is missing? The world is full of a lot of good things. But only one who is my good: Jesus Christ.

Living in “The Word”

With all this love, we are called to live a life worthy of the price that has been paid. In return, the Lord will reveal himself: “To the upright I will show the saving power of God” (Ps 50,23b). If we wish to know the Lord, then we must believe in Him, worship Him and Live in Him. Then, we will see Him – face to face – in person. Who do I live for? Jesus Christ.