Monday 12 February 2018

St Meletius.
James 1:1-11. Psalm 118(119):67-68, 71-72, 75-76. Mark 8:11-13.
Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live—Psalm 118(119):67-68, 71-72, 75-76.
‘Why does this generation seek a sign?’
Today we are amply provided with signage for a full and vigorous Christian existence. We have the sacred scripture and in particular the stories of Jesus’s life. We have a visible church, guided and guarded by the Holy Spirit. Our rites of passage are blessed by a sacramental system. Our Eucharist is offered daily to nourish and sustain our growth. We are held within families and communities who live by a code of forgiveness and love.
In my parish life, signs that give me life are the reverence of people as they pray; the knowing smile of a wise old faith-filled person; the priest stopping to tousle the head of an inquisitive child; little children running up the aisle after their liturgy; and the pride that the people take, through their various duties, in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Cardinal Martini made this joyful prayer from the Gospel of John: ‘I seek, O Lord, a truth which springs like water, is simple as bread, as clear as light and as powerful as life.’