Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 17, 2025

Date: Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today, drawn from Mark’s gospel, and occurs immediately after Jesus’ feeding of a multitude of over 4000 with 7 loaves and a few fish. Not satisfied with this “sign” of Jesus’ power and authority, they tested him and demanded another sign.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I demand “a sign” from the LORD even though the signs of the LORD’s power and presence surround me and sustain me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we lift our minds, our hearts, and our voices to You in praise for who You are: Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier. We thank You for all You give to us, our lives, our world, our gifts. We ask forgiveness for those times we dismiss your power and presence at work in our lives and our world. Grant that we may be more aware of You and more open to You and your will. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.