The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking
from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth
of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Mark
8:11–12
Jesus had performed many miracles. He healed the sick, restored
sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and fed thousands with only
a few fish and loaves of bread. But even after all of that, the
Pharisees came to argue with Jesus and demanded a sign from
Heaven.
The response of Jesus is quite unique. “He sighed from the depth of
his spirit…” This sigh was an expression of His holy sorrow over
the hardness of hearts of the Pharisees. If they had the eyes of
faith, they would have no need for yet another miracle. And if
Jesus would have performed a “sign from heaven” for them, even that
would not have helped them. And so Jesus does the only thing He
can—He sighed.
At times, this type of reaction is the only good one. We may all
face situations in life where others confront us with harshness and
stubbornness. When this happens, we will be tempted to argue with
them, condemn them, try to convince them we are right, and the
like. But sometimes one of the holiest reactions we can have to the
hardness of our heart of another is to experience a deep and holy
sorrow. We must also “sigh” from the depths of our spirits.
When one is hard of heart, rational talking and arguing will prove
to be of little avail. Hardness of heart is also what we
traditionally call the “sin against the Holy Spirit.” It’s a sin of
obstinacy and stubbornness. In that case, there is little or no
openness to the truth. When you experience this in the life of
another, silence and a sorrowful heart are often the best reaction.
Their hearts need to be softened and your deep sorrow, shared with
compassion, may be one of the only responses that can help make a
difference.
Reflect, today, upon any person in your life with whom you
regularly argue, especially regarding matters of faith. Examine
your approach and consider changing how you relate to them. Dismiss
their irrational arguments and let them see your heart in the same
way that Jesus allowed His divine heart to shine forth in a holy
sigh. Pray for them, have hope, and allow your sorrow to help melt
the most stubborn of hearts.
My compassionate Jesus, Your heart was filled with the deepest
compassion for the Pharisees. That compassion led You to express a
holy sorrow over their stubbornness. Give me Your same heart, dear
Lord, and help me to grieve not only over the sins of others, but
also over my own sins, especially when I am stubborn of heart. Melt
my heart, dear Lord, and help me to also be an instrument of Your
holy sorrow to those in need of this grace. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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