11 October 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

Topic: DO I STILL NEED A "SIGN' TO BELIEVE?

First Reading: Galatians 3: 7-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 111: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
Alleluia: John 12: 31b-32
Gospel: Luke 11: 15-26

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus' doubters put Him to the test by asking for a sign. Jesus often encountered this scenario, clearly showing the unbelief in the Jews' hearts. Yet, they were completely blind to God's presence in Jesus' ministry. Jesus declared in the Gospel reading that it is by the finger of God that He casts out demons from people. God is powerfully at work in His ministry if only people had eyes to see it.

Therefore, the challenge for Jesus to give a spectacular sign was unnecessary.

We too can be overly fascinated by the unusual when we speak of our relationship with the Lord. We fail to see the ways that the Lord is present among us, in and through the goodness, kindness and generosity of others, as well as in the selfless service that people show each other in all kinds of ordinary and simple ways. Moreover, we fail to see expressions of love that people show to one another. We certainly can miss the deeper and more meaningful God-encounter moments if we fail to appreciate God's presence around us..

This is the 1629th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]