Jesus is frustrated with the Pharisees not because they are asking for a sign but because they fail to recognize the fact that he is the one true, grand, powerful and long-awaited sign himself! He keeps shaking his head in amazement at the thickness of their minds and hearts!
But the question for us is: are we any more informed than the Pharisees? Can we see signs of God's loving presence among us, especially in Jesus, and especially in his sacramental gifts to us, and special among those the greatest sign of all: the sign of his Eucharistic Presence. It takes FAITH to see all these spiritual realities for what they are. Obviously the Pharisees did not have faith; how strong is our faith today! Perhaps we can pray that God will allow it to become stronger – now - so that we don't miss even one sign of his tender loving care for us and others!
The story of Cain and Abel can be likened to the rejection of a sign as well! Brothers are meant to be signs to one another of their parents' love which created them in the first place. Eve said: I have produced a man with the help of the Lord. There is something mysterious and wonderful about each and every human creation! We are all signs of God's superabundant love – especially blood brothers and sisters!
Even when Cain rejected his brother's friendship in an act of jealousy – God did not demand his life – he would not allow him to 'be killed on sight." He actually gave him a "life-sentence" of thinking about what he had done – while having to work even harder than ever for what little produce he could forage from the land! There is justice! He was even given another brother to love – Seth!
Yes, we are our brother's keeper! We are here to help each other out along the way – and it would help if we were not jealous but rather joyful about the success of our brothers and sisters. We each have something to do that only we can do – when we do that well – no matter how much it compares in quantity or size with the works of others – then we are doing what is pleasing in God's sight and meritorious of everlasting life!
Offer to God a sacrifice of praise…and rejoice in the good fortune of your neighbor – then you will recognize God's gifts that surround us like never before!
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