When I was a younger Christian, I would regularly argue with people about faith. I knew so much – not! Now, I am more relaxed and embrace difference in a more inclusive way. This morning (Monday), I had an early start to meet the carpenter making the new lectern at St. Mary’s Church in Bletchingley. I stopped at a coffee shop on the A3 and was reading the scriptures for today's lectionary readings. I was reflecting on how I have changed over the decades.
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.” Mark 8:11-12
Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and fed thousands with only a few fish and loaves of bread. But even after all of that, the Pharisees came to argue with Jesus and demanded a sign from Heaven.
The response of Jesus is quite unique. “He sighed from the depth of his spirit…” This sigh was an expression of his sorrow over the hardness of the hearts of the Pharisees. If they had the eyes of faith, they would not need yet another miracle. And if Jesus had performed a “sign from heaven” for them, even that would not have helped them. And so, Jesus does the only thing he can—he sighed. We have all done that!
At times, this type of reaction is the only good one. We may all face situations in life where others confront us with harshness and stubbornness. When this happens, we will be tempted to argue with them, condemn them, try to convince them we are right, and the like. But sometimes, one reaction we can have to the hardness of another's heart is to experience deep sorrow. We must also “sigh” from the depths of our spirits.
When one is hard of heart, rational talking and arguing will prove to be of little avail. Hardness of heart is also what we traditionally call the “sin against the Holy Spirit.” It’s a sin of obstinacy and stubbornness. In that case, there is little or no openness to the truth. When you experience this in the life of another, silence and a sorrowful heart are often the best reactions. Their hearts need to be softened, and your deep sorrow, shared with compassion, maybe one of the only responses that can help make a difference.
Reflect upon any person you regularly argue with, especially regarding matters of faith. Examine your approach and consider changing how you relate to them. Dismiss their irrational arguments and let them see your heart like Jesus allowed his heart to shine forth in a holy sigh. Pray for them, have hope, and allow your sorrow to help melt the most stubborn of hearts, including your own.
Every Blessing
Father Paul
P.S LENT DISCUSSION GROUPS
Six discussions will help us explore in greater depth how Christians know and worship God. The sessions reveal the reasons why the Eucharist (referred to as Holy Communion) is celebrated as a memorial of Christ’s saving passion and stands at the very heart of Christian worship. Depending on your diary, you can attend one or all of them. You can see more on our website Discussion Groups - St Mary Church Bletchingley. There are sign-up sheets in church.