There have been times in my own walk with God when I had been a real “Yutz”. A Yutz is a slang Yiddish expression which easily translates into a pain in the hind quarters (if you know what I mean). This week’s readings tell us that Jews require a sign. I was one such Jewish convert. I would say things like “if you are real God, then make this lampshade move, or make the light flicker. Do this and I will surely believe. In my own way I was trying to test God. If the light ever did flicker I don’t know what I would have done. In the “Stations of the Cross” book that we use at the Cathedral, there is a line in which Jesus asks “what More could I have done”? It is something to think on.
This week’s readings remind me of family. In every family, there are rules and chores that people follow. As a result if everyone participates and gets along then life is pleasant. Our first reading recounts the Ten Commandments. It is interesting that almost every society on the planet has adopted these commands as part of their legal systems. God gave us these so that we could live peaceably, and have a long life and be blessed. They are not just a bunch of do’s and don’ts. They help us to live as a family and if followed, then we will have a rich and rewarding life.
In the Gospel we see that people were not respecting the temple of God. Therefore our Lord Jesus goes in and “cleans house” so to speak. It is like a parent returning home to find out that their rebellious teenager was having a party while they were gone. He was not happy. They had turned the temple of God into a den of thieves. After Jesus overturns the tables, they want a sign from Him to show that He had authority to do this.
There will always be those who want a sign, or a show or some miracle worked, and then they will believe. Our Lord continued to work miracles but Jesus was leery of their hearts. So this week, ask yourself if you really believe, or are you waiting for a show, or a sign, or a lamp shade to move? What more does He have to do for you to believe? Something to think about. May God richly bless you always!
Comments