Humble and Contrite Spirit

Today’s Gospel: The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." 13 And he left them, and getting into the boat again he departed to the other side. Mark 8:11-13

Reflection:  Some people are always superior; I mean they think that they are superior. They think that only they have the power and the ability to think rationally, they are perfect and they are able to judge others and their behavior patterns and think that they can arrive at a safe conclusion about people and individuals.

They are never able to see their folly and how their judgments about them are fraught with danger. Maybe many of them in the course of their lives may have arrived at solutions to people’s problems and may have even got a feed back and a fan following which may have been flattering enough to their ego’s. This could further spur them on to boss over the many some do it surreptitiously with a humble demeanor whereas the others may be more overt with their actions.

In reality many of these hide the confusion in their minds with a façade of clarity and false expertise. In their case what scripture says is fulfilled; “Claiming to be wise, they became fools”.  Rom 1:22

The Pharisees in the Gospel carried the same demeanor and we know on account of the revelation of God’s wisdom that they only end up as fools. 

Prayer:  Lord, in your mercy grant me a humble and contrite spirit so that I may tremble at your Holy Word and thus be acceptable to you. (cfr. Is. 66:2)

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