Daily Gospel Reflection for April 17, 2018

Today's Gospel: John 6:30-35 Today’s Gospel begins with Jesus being asked, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?” I am guilty of wanting God to help me believe by showing me signs. Although I long to believe without seeing, it is a constant struggle. In 2015, my family experienced a very difficult time. To cope, I started taking walks around my yard and praying the Rosary. One day, as my frustration overwhelmed me, I shouted to God, “What do you want from me?” This coincided with my reaching the end of my back yard. I made the turn toward the highway that runs along the front of my home, and looked up to see a truck drive by with the word “FIDELITY” on the trailer. I actually laughed out loud. The message instantly filled my troubled heart with peace. Would God really ask more than for me to be faithful? While I still want to be that person who just believes, I am grateful at how well God knows (and occasional spoils) me. I smile at the Fidelity trucks, and other signs that seem to be only for me. Those sweet surprises that remind me that my faith is not misplaced and that God is real. Like the people in today's Gospel, I am sometimes guilty of wanting signs to help me believe. I believe God sends enough glimmers to encourage but not so much as to interfere with His great gift of faith.

Ponder:

What signs have you attributed to God helping you to believe?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for the signs you provide in our world that allows us to know You are real. Thank You also for the signs You do not send, that help us strengthen our faith in You.