Faith entails believing even when one cannot see

February 14, Monday, 6th Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cyril, Monk & St. Methodius, bishop
Daily Readings: James 1:1-11 & Mark 8:11-13.

The Gospel reading is brief but profound. It describes the pharisees' difficulty believing in Jesus. They had heard his teaching and had seen miracles, but they wanted more. They wanted proof on their terms that he was the special one, the Messiah sent by God. Such adversity prompted them to request a divine campaign to persuade them to believe in Jesus’ claims.

Jesus was deeply troubled by these Pharisees. Jesus categorically rejected their demands. Mark says, "Jesus sighed deeply." Maybe he was exasperated. Perhaps he was drawing on the strength of God for that moment. Because the Jews didn't believe and kept asking for a sign from heaven, Jesus "groaned in his heart," which means that his heart was hurt and troubled.

The Pharisees were not innocent enquirers, not people looking to put their faith in Jesus. They wanted to discredit Jesus. Jesus sensed it, sighed deeply, said no sign would be given to that generation, got back into the boat, and set off for the other side of the lake.

Faith established based on signs is not perfect faith. While signs can aid in developing faith, ideal faith entails believing even when one cannot see; as St. Paul put it, "For our life is to be lived by believing, not by seeing." (2 Corinthians 5:7). We do not directly observe Jesus. However, we believe in him because of the testimony of his apostles and successors. May Jesus' words to Thomas be valid for us: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

We see the Lord revealed in everyday life: in his word, in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist, in his Church—the body of Christ. Most significantly, God assures us of His constant presence. If we seek the Lord, he will indeed supply.