“Why is this generation asking for a miracle?” (Mk. 8:11-13)

Today’s Gospel features a discussion of the Pharisees with Jesus. The Pharisees, certainly conservative, tending to immobility, ask for a sign from heaven; perhaps bewildered by the great novelty of Jesus. What kind of signals were they looking for? Spectacular action? What do these Pharisees have to do with us? Although the Pharisees must be recognized for a responsible religious attitude, some showed themselves to be closed, superior to others and therefore marginalized others with their religious gaze…

Today, we too can fall into similar attitudes by staying in static religious positions because it is more comfortable… and to condition our adherence to the Lord by demanding signs. In this scenario, what is Jesus’ attitude? Not to give in to the devious provocation. He renounces the gratuitous and unnecessary flaunting of His power, in order to teach us to follow him by imitating him in His choices.