Even after many years of marriage, sometimes I am known to pout a little. Not consciously and on purpose mind you, but in the way that most of us do when we don’t get our way. Maybe I’d like a little loving, or watch my program tonight, or go out to dinner, or stay home tonight, or wear a certain pair of pants or shirt and its not washed yet… You know the type of things I’m talking about. Maybe it’s just that I’m tired of always being the busy one, while my spouse is relaxing with (definitely not at my house!), or I get tired of watching and caring for. kids, pets, the house, the lawn, the cars, whatever. You can put your own in this ______. I (we)want to know that I’m still important, that the other person still loves me, appreciates me… and I want them to prove it to me in some certain way.
In today’s readings (EX 14:5–18, MT 12:38–42) the Israelites complain to Moses as they face the Red Sea before them and Pharaoh’s troops behind them. Sarcastically they ask, “Were there no burial places in Egypt, that you had to bring us out to die in this desert?” God tells Moses to extend his staff above the Sea and divide the waters so they can pass through. God once again proves Himself to his people. The Scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus to see a “sign”. Jesus tells them they will receive no sign except the sign of Jonah, who spent three days and nights in the belly of the whale, so they will see the Son of Man spend three days and nights in the earth. At the judgement, Nineveh will rise, while their generation will be condemned because “there is something greater than Jonah here”.
How many times does my wife have to clean the house, wash the laundry, go with me when and where I want, listen to my stories and jokes, hug and kiss and love on me to prove that she loves me? Hasn’t she consistently done that, plus work outside the home for years and years, care for our kids and grandkids etc.,? Why don’t I humble myself and get over myself instead of pouting when I don’t get my way? That’s the issue with us, the Israelites, the Scribes and Pharisees… humility. As I (you)look back on my (your) life, hasn’t my (your)spouse, parents, children and particularly GOD proven their love enough yet? Hasn’t God provided for us, forgiven us, helped us, healed us, heard our cries enough to warrant humbling ourselves and letting Him be God and us not trying to control Him? “Lord Jesus, give me a spirit of humility and appreciation before You. Help me not to pout and demand more, but live in joyful gratitude for all your blessings. Amen.” Peace and All Good, my friends!

