Signs of Heaven – Mark 8:11-13 Reflection
For many, believing in heaven requires miraculous physical phenomena recognized by one of the senses, predominately sight. The physical world-type consolations from God also seem to boost faith significantly. However, the most magnificent signs of heaven manifest from deep within by transforming our hearts to be unconditional. These gifts allow grace to overpower evil to bring peace, mirroring Jesus. The result is faith that has eternal hope, unbounded love, mercy, and compassion without the need for compensation. The most striking effect is an unconditional heart that becomes like breathing, requiring no conscious intervention to take a breath.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Readings
Mark 8:11-13 – Scripture*
The Demand for a Sign
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 8:11-13 Reflection – Magnificent Sign from Heaven.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Mark 8 Bible passage.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 8 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.