What Sign?

I am always on the lookout for heavenly signs. I take pleasure in my own interpretations and enjoy relating them to those who have the patience to listen. This does not go down well with a priest mentor, who frowns on my signs and interpretations. He reminds me that we have all the signs we need in the crucifix and the resurrection.

When I read this week’s Gospel John 6: 24-35 I was attracted by the number of references to signs. First, Jesus accused the people of not seeing the signs he was doing:- curing the sick, casting out evil spirits and multiplying loaves and fish. Despite these miraculous acts, the people continued to demand more spectacular signs.

It made me reflect on my own search for signs and how often I might overlook the miracles already present in my life. My priest mentor's words echoed in my mind, challenging me to see the crucifixion and resurrection as the ultimate signs of God's love and power. Perhaps it is not the lack of signs but our lack of perception that blinds us to the divine at work.

Like the people in today’s Gospel, we often fail to recognize the miraculous signs that Jesus performs daily in our lives. We become so focused on seeking grand gestures and extraordinary occurrences that we overlook the subtle yet profound ways in which God’s presence manifests around us. The kindness of a stranger, the beauty of a sunrise, the comfort of a friend in times of sorrow, holding hands with a loved one—these are the quiet miracles that we take for granted.

By constantly yearning for the spectacular, we miss out on the simple, everyday wonders that testify to God's continuous grace and love. It is a reminder to open our hearts and eyes to the small, sacred moments that weave through our daily existence, bearing witness to His enduring presence.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the people that they should be looking for signs that ‘endures to eternal life’ as opposed to signs that perish. So often in our lives we are looking for signs that perish, material possessions, while we ignore signs that give the fruits of the Holy Spirit such as love, joy, faithfulness and peace.

We chase after wealth, status, and physical comforts, believing they will bring us happiness and fulfillment. Yet, these worldly signs are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. True fulfillment comes from nurturing our spiritual lives and recognizing the divine gifts that foster inner growth and harmony.

When we shift our focus to the eternal, we begin to see the richness of God's blessings in our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our connection to the divine. These are the signs that truly endure, bringing lasting joy and peace that no material possession can ever provide.

And often we already possess these signs in our lives if we only open our eyes. The loving embrace of a family member, the laughter shared with friends, the inner peace found in prayer and meditation, our work in a faith community—these are the enduring signs of God's presence. They are the quiet but powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit working within us and around us.

By appreciating these gifts, we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment. We learn to value the intangible treasures that bring true meaning and fulfillment to our lives, drawing us closer to the eternal love and grace that Jesus promises. In recognizing and embracing these signs, we align ourselves more closely with God's will and experience a profound transformation in our hearts and souls.

NOTICE BOARD

Friends, I am hosting a Zoom Webinar this Thursday 8th at 11am AST on Navigating Life Transitions. Life Transitions are junctions in life where we change directions. They can be the onset of retirement, loss of a loved one, beginning of a new relationship, embarking on a new career or enterprise, onset of chronic illness... They come suddenly and send us off in unplanned directions. I hope you can join us. Deacon Hilary Bengochea is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Navigating Life Transitions Zoom Meeting

Time: Aug 8, 2024 11:00 AM La Paz

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86521872674?pwd=FIkLrlK3BaMZgcPbueQT8wX9FnTCGl.1

Meeting ID: 865 2187 2674

Passcode: 901227