From the Gospel according to Luke 11:29-32
For the Jews of that time, the expression “evil generation” was not an empty reproach. It immediately brought to mind the ancient people of Israel, those who had been freed from Egypt, had seen the sea part, had been fed with manna and had received the Law on Mount Sinai; a people surrounded by signs who, nevertheless, continued to doubt and ask for further proof. Jesus recognises that same attitude in those speaking to Him: they ask for a sign, but not out of a desire for truth; rather, out of a sense of entitlement, distrust and suspicion. That is why He grants them no further sign. It is not a question of signs, because when the heart is closed, no sign is ever enough.
Instead, He reminds them of two examples very familiar to them: the Queen of the South, who travelled great distances, driven by the desire to find the wisdom of God; and the people of Nineveh, who repented because they knew how to listen to Jonah’s preaching and put their trust in it. Because of their hardened hearts, those Jews failed to recognise God even though He was right there before them.
Today, we can run the same risk. Husbands and wives! The sign has been given: through our Sacrament, Jesus is present in our marriage; He is present in my spouse. Do I recognise Him?
When the heart trusts and is willing to welcome, it learns to discover God’s provident hand in the little things of everyday life: in a correction from my spouse, in a smile, in the children who draw us out of our comfort zone, in a friend’s words… Then we begin to see God in everything and in everyone.
Chiara: How fortunate we are to witness so many conversions around us! Although I think we need to be attentive to what is happening in our hearts, so that we don’t end up seeking our own satisfaction.
Peter: What do you mean?
Chiara: Sometimes I feel that I’m searching for extraordinary experiences, constantly looking for spectacular things and reducing our faith to emotional experiences… I think this can be a distraction and can lead us astray…
Peter: That’s true. Do you think there is anything more extraordinary than the fact that God Himself has chosen to remain hidden, out of love, in a little piece of bread?
Chiara: Quite right! What are we waiting for before we gather closely around Jesus?
Mother,
From within your heart, we share your very own desire. How we would love to see the tabernacles packed with people, all worshipping the Lord! My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask Your forgiveness for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You.
Blessed and praised be You for ever!