SEEING THE SIGNS

PRAYER MOMENT               

Monday, 5 May 2014

SEEING THE SIGNS

Pause. Be present in the synagogue at Capernaum.

Reading: “You are looking for me not because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat.” (John 6: 22-29)

Reflection. Jesus came to offer the “gift of God” (John 4:10) but many had their eyes on something less. Religion offers many attractions: community, identity, status and even some financial perks. I write from Nigeria where there is deep dismay about how religion threatens to tear the nation apart. Religion can be used for evil purposes but it can also be used as a support system where there is no moral blame beyond a settling for the minimum – a sort of pass mark. But Jesus says, “Look!” Look at the signs in your midst. Can you not see what is happening? Can you not see that God has made his dwelling among us? (John 1:14) Since he has done so much, even giving up his own Son to death for us, is it likely that he will deny us the ope thing that will make us completely happy? (Rom 8:32)   

   

Prayer. Lord, teach us to reach beyond the immediate and to glimpse what you are calling us to. Forgive us for settling what is immediate and easy and avoiding the long term harder search for you and your will. Amen..

David Harold-Barry SJ