Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark the Evangelist 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.
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.
I trust in you
In this passage, the Pharisees approach Jesus not to encounter him, but to test him. They ask for a sign — an extraordinary guarantee to confirm what is already before their eyes. Jesus sighs deeply: it is not a loud outburst of anger, but the weariness of someone who feels questioned in a relationship where there should be trust.
In married life something very similar happens. At times, without realising it, we treat our spouse as the Pharisees treated Jesus: we ask for “signs”.
— If you really loved me, you would…
— If you loved me, I would notice it more, you would show it better…
The problem is not desiring gestures of love, but living in a constant demand for proof, as though the other’s love were always under suspicion. That is exhausting. Hence Jesus’ sigh: love does not flourish where everything is examination and verification.
Jesus refuses to give the sign they demand because true love is neither imposed nor forced into demonstration. His presence, his word, his self-giving were already the sign. In the same way, in marriage the sign is often already there: in daily fidelity, in perseverance, in continuing to “get into the boat together” even when there are no fireworks.
This Gospel invites husbands and wives to move from the logic of “prove it to me” to the logic of “I trust you”; to recognise the simple, everyday signs of love, and to care for the relationship so that it does not become a testing ground, but a place of rest. Because, in the end, conjugal love — like God’s love — does not require spectacular signs, but a heart capable of recognising them.
Applied to Married Life
Iris: Today I realised that sometimes I treat you like the Pharisees treated Jesus.
Alejandro: Is that serious? Should I be worried?
Iris: A little… I ask you for signs from heaven.
Alejandro: The miracle type? Like multiplying clean socks?
Iris: Exactly. And folding them properly as well, just to make it clear that you love me.
Alejandro: Then I’ve been failing the love exam for years.
Iris: It’s not that… It’s just that sometimes I need proof.
Alejandro: And sometimes I sigh like Jesus in the Gospel. Not out loud, but inside.
Iris: I know. And today I thought: perhaps you are already giving me the signs, they’re just not spectacular.
Alejandro: Of course. I don’t call down fire from heaven, but I do take the rubbish out every night.
Iris: And that counts too.
Alejandro: For me it should count a lot, because I really am trying.
Iris: Shall we make a deal? I’ll try to trust more and not ask for daily miracles.
Alejandro: And I promise not to go “to the other side” when I feel tested.
Iris: Better that we stay in the same boat.
Alejandro: Yes. Love doesn’t need signs from heaven… as long as it doesn’t sink, we’re doing well.
Mother,
help us each day to recognise the simple signs, and not to weary the other’s heart with demands born of fear.
Blessed are you always, Mother.