“Why does this generation seek a sign?” – Mark 8:12

       There were no other instructions given by His Excellency, Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) global spiritual director, except to get the job done. We were to complete the project in time for the next Inter-District Conference, a twice-yearly gathering of BLD global leaders.

    My hubby, Raul, and I, serving as global Servant Leaders for Management, were unfazed, albeit clueless where to get the funding. We launched Project 77, determined to increase the capacity of our BLD Covenant House from 44 to 77 rooms. We conducted the bidding process as though the money for the project that would cost almost P10 million was already sitting in the bank for our disposal. In truth, we had nothing. But amazingly, money came in with clockwork precision. Never did the funding fell short of disbursements.

       The 2015 BLD Inter-District Conference opened as scheduled and the delegates arrived from places far and wide. Thirty-three additional rooms were completed just in time. The BLD Covenant House had 77 rooms ready for occupany and we didn’t need any sign. “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who work” (Psalm 127:1). Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@yahoo.com)

Reflection: Do you demand for a sign before accepting God’s assignment?

Lord, I pray for the gift of faith, that I may learn to trust You more.

St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph, pray for us.

Jealousy kills relationships and communities. The only way that the Gospel is going to prevail over the ways and thinking of the world is if Christians unite and celebrate their differences and gifting, and work together in the service of God’s Kingdom.

1 The man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 Next she bore his brother Abel. Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the soil, 4 while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not. Cain greatly resented this and was crestfallen. 6 So the Lord said to Cain: “Why are you so resentful and crestfallen? 7 If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.” 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 The Lord then said: “What have you done! Listen: your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil! 11 Therefore you shall be banned from the soil that opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 If you till the soil, it shall no longer give you its produce. You shall become a restless wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord: “My punishment is too great to bear. 14 Since you have now banished me from the soil, and I must avoid your presence and become a restless wanderer on the earth, anyone may kill me at sight.” 15 “Not so!” the Lord said to him. “If anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged sevenfold.” So the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest anyone should kill him at sight. 25 Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son whom she called Seth. “God has granted me more offspring in place of Abel,” she said, “because Cain slew him.”

R: Offer to God a sacrifice of praise.

1 God the Lord has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. 8 “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always.” (R) 16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” (R) 20 “You sit speaking against your brother; against your mother’s son you spread rumors. 21 When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.” (R)

What is the essence of true faith? Is it found in seeking signs? Faith is found in being open to God’s will and humbly accepting the blessings He gives us. Let us use these blessings to serve God and share the Gospel with others.

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

11 The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 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.” 13 Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

think: Do you sometimes doubt Jesus’ ability to meet your needs?

Read the Bible in one year  2 Corinthians 1-4

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

GIVE US A SIGN

Throughout the Bible, we read about people asking Jesus for a sign. The Pharisees request a sign from Jesus to give them proof that they should believe Him as the Messiah. They cannot accept the miracles; they want more compelling proof to believe in His divine authority. However, Jesus refuses to give in to their demands because He knows the motive is disbelief and failure to recognize Him. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus answers their request by reminding them of Jonah. Just as Jonah was inside the whale’s stomach for three days and nights, so too would Jesus die and be buried, but on the third day, rise again.

       There are people who seek signs for confirmation. I, for one, am reluctant to do so. I do not want to put the Lord to the test. Either I believe or not. I need no other sign than that of Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. That is enough sign to believe that the Lord will act. However, I know many who request for signs and they receive it. I commend them for their faith.

       In human life, signs and symbols are important. They direct us towards God and help strengthen our faith. The sacraments are signs given to us of God moving among us, feeding, nourishing, healing, forgiving, uniting and serving us. But people can get fixated on signs, just as the Pharisees were.

          I do not disagree with asking for signs but I have seen many who get fixated on signs and stop there. Signs, rather, should lead us to God. Genuine signs will awaken our belief in God who is with us. Among Charismatic groups, this is common. A people of faith seeking the Lord for healing and mercy are given miraculous signs. God in His goodness and mercy has given us signs and wonders in the Eucharist. The Virgin Mother at Fatima pointed to the sun as a sign of God’s presence. The sun danced and changed color. Communism was broken in Russia. People have suffered stigmata. Signs and wonders abound. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

Lord, I believe in Your presence in my life. The greatest sign of Your presence is Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Amen.