Choosing Our Battles!

Monday, February 17, 2025

Gen 4:1-15, 25; Mk 8:11-13

Today’s Gospel shows Jesus as a victim of unbelief and rejection. 

Jesus does not yield to the demand of the Pharisees who seek a sign from heaven to prove his divine identity. 

The reason why Jesus resists their demand is the same as in the instance of him in the wilderness, where he withstands the temptations of Satan (Mt 4:1-11). 

A careful analysis of the passage on the temptations of Jesus would reveal that Satan tempts Jesus for a miracle, saying each time, ‘If you are the Son of God.’

In effect, the demand from the Pharisees means the same. They want Jesus to prove his divine sonship. 

But why would Jesus disregard their persistent demand? Two reasons can be given.

At first, if Jesus yields to their demand, it would amount to self-doubt about his identity as the Son of God. 

Secondly, those who fail to perceive the identity of Jesus despite his popularity among the people as a miracle-worker, will not accept or believe in him, even if he were to show a sign from heaven. 

Hence, Jesus shows greater clarity by resisting the demands of the Pharisees.

As such, the deep sigh of Jesus ‘from the depth of his spirit’ symbolizes his victimization of the long-endured disbelief and rejection.

A cheetah does not need to race dogs to prove that it is the fastest. 

We find Jesus choosing his battles wisely. Hence, Jesus goes his way. 

Let us pray that we may be gifted with the generosity of heart to recognize what is good and uphold it all our lives. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar