Signs of the deeper reality

John 6: 22 - 29

Jesus answered them....'you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves...'

Being human, we all look for 'signs' that will assure us of some security in our lives. This is something we all do as, being human, we were made for something much, much bigger than ourselves. In our search for that something (or rather Someone) we look for 'signs' and we look for those who can provide us with these 'signs'. People turn to Jesus for various reasons. In this episode of the feeding miracle, Jesus himself makes the comment that they were looking for the wrong thing. They were focused on the external 'sign' of material provision, and wanted more of it, but did not stop to ponder the greater 'sign' that beckoned.

In my own life, and as I listen to others, hoping to co-discern God's presence in their lives, I am slowly learning the difference. We often stop to give thanks to God when something we hope for works out well for us, for example, getting the job we want, passing an exam, success in business.....and of course this is what we ought to do. But then, I wonder, does this lead us to the deeper 'sign' of God's presence in our lives ('to believe in the One He sent') or do we merely run after external 'signs'? Some of these external 'signs', whether fame, success or money, can become for us the 'food that perishes'. If it is the latter, then our spiritual lives will be easily rocked by changes in the external circumstances.

I think it is helpful to reflect: when God provides for me, yes, I am grateful to him....but do I just want to remain at that level of relationship with him? Could it be there is something else he is showing me, something more personal about himself? And if so, what is my response to him? In this episode, John the writer of the gospel emphasizes that Jesus through the 'sign' was inviting people to believe in him as the One sent by God. But if we are already Christian, then what form might the invitation take? Perhaps...a call to hear the voice of the Beloved...a call to deeper intimacy with God...a call to deeper commitment to God in some specific ministry. This is something only we can hear for ourselves, if we take the time to be still and quiet.

Jesus' miracles today, as before, are always 'signs'....signposts pointing to a deeper reality. Are we ready and willing to ask Jesus, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Then we may hear for ourselves the graced invitation.