SIGNS

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this feast of the Annunciation is, “Signs!”

As we heard it today first reading from Isaiah – when it comes to God – people are often asking for signs. [Cf. Isaiah 7: 10-14; 8:10]

Signs – seeking them, seeing them, announcing them – is something that is often happening in religion.

IT’S NORMAL FOR ALL OF LIFE AS WELL

We are all looking for signs – how another is doing – what’s happening – what the weather will be – is another okay. It keeps TV news programs going – as well getting people to look at their phones or the astrology section of the newspapers.

We like hearing annunciation moments: “I got into the college of my choice.” “I got a job.” “We’re engaged.” “We’re pregnant.”

We like good news – revelations that life is continuing.... and we like signs for those things happening.

But sometimes wanting signs can be an itch.

JESUS

At times people wanting signs seems to frustrate Jesus. Pharisees and Scribes were always asking for signs and Jesus often responds by saying, “No sign is coming.”  Then sometimes he says mysterious things like, “The only sign you’re going to get is the sign of Jonah.”

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

In religion if there is anything that happens on a regular basis it’s people announcing revelations. And on a regular basis there are folks who believe in these revelations – and there are folks who are skeptical of these revelations.

And from time to time the Officials in the Church put out the warnings that this is strange stuff – the world is not going to end on such and such a date – and so many people are going to hell or what have you.

Officials in the Church – local and world wide – tend to criticize the odd stuff and the bizarre – like moving and weeping statues – often don’t say anything about places like Medjugorge – even though the local bishop criticizes it.

It seems the Church follows the Gamaliel principal from the Acts of the Apostles. If this is of God, nothing can stop it. If this is not of God, this will disappear in time. [Cf. Acts 5: 34-42]

ANNUNCIATION

On this Feast of the Annunciation – when it comes to looking for signs in our need for reassurance of God’s presence – isn’t it enough to say what Isaiah says in today’s first reading and Luke tells us in today’s gospel? The sign is Mary ever Virgin, ever mother, ever bringing Christ into our world. [Cf. today’s gospel Luke 1: 26-38]

I’ve often wondered why God also seems to be all ear and not much mouth.

When people push revelations from some mystic or some person – I want to say: read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If someone claims some document has miraculous information, I’ll say, “What about Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?”

CONCLUSION

If someone wants a sign – if someone wants a miracle in our midst, receive Communion.

If someone wants a sign, get in touch with Mary’s Annunciation Moment – we’re celebrating it today March 25^th - and then be there to reflect upon the Nativity – the great Christmas story – 9 months from now - when Mary and Joseph bring Christ into our world. 

And by the way it’s only 278 shopping days till Christmas.

OOOOOOO

PAINTINGS: On top. The Annunciation, Smithsonian-American-Artist.

Near end: Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Annunciation - Don't know if Tanner did the top one as well.