Homily for Monday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel passage, St. Mark depicts Jesus responding with a deep sigh to the arguments of the Pharisees and their request for a sign. He asks, "Why does this generation seek a sign?"

As we listen to this story unfold, it's hard to overlook the frustration in the Lord's sigh, which comes from "the depths of His spirit." We have all experienced similar sighs of frustration in ourselves and others, and we recognize the emotion they convey. But why was Jesus sighing? What was the source of His frustration with the Pharisees?

Many religious people have been tempted to seek extraordinary signs and visions from heaven throughout history. However, Jesus continually directs our attention to the ordinary moments where we can find the divine. He uses examples like the sower who goes out to plant seeds, the woman who searches for a lost coin, the Samaritan who helps a stranger on the road, and the man who unexpectedly discovers treasure in his field. The list goes on.

When we only look for God in miraculous events, we risk missing His presence in the everyday moments of our lives, where He is always present. Often, in these ordinary experiences, we find the mystery of God's kingdom, for Creation is full of His glory.