Signs

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.’ And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, ‘Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ They said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ They said to him, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?’ And they said to him, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Do you not yet understand?’ 

Mark 8:11-21

We all get to times and places in our lives where we ache for signs of hope or signs of direction. We can get lost under the weight of pain, grief, loss a physical and life changes. We often feel tested and sometimes fully disappointed with our lives. We crave a way out, a sign, helping us out of the mess we find ourselves in. Jesus doesn't chastise those that come to him hungry, ill or lost. He was chastising the religious leaders of his day who wanted signs to test him, not to help any of the thousands of people surrounding them who needed immediate care. Jesus doesn't chastise those who are suffering. Instead, he calls them and us, to fall into his arms once again. To trust that love in moving towards us all, bringing healing and restoration when we are breaking apart.

Gracious Creator, you wrap us in your love

like a warm blanket in the coldest nights

you gather up all people to your warmth

and provide your light as we stumble along.

We want to be self-sufficient and independent

none of us likes it when we need a helping hand

too often, when you draw near we pull away

and miss the tenderness of your loving arms.

Lord, enfold us again as a parent holds a child

let us fall back trusting you will be there

seeing the signs of your love all around us

and sharing that love with all who are suffering. Amen.