Amen, I say to you

Because today's Gospel is so short, I will devote a moment of our attention to this phrase that is often repeated in the utterances of the Lord Jesus: "Truly, I say to you." In the original Greek, the Hebrew word Amen is always kepthere, so that phrase is, " Amen, I say to you". With the word "Amen" we conclude our prayers. The Apostle Paul explains this "Amen" at the end of the prayer in his Second Letter to the Corinthians: "Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us, Silvanus and Timothy and me, was not “yes” and “no,” but “yes” has been in him. For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him; therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory."

"Amen" is usually translated, "So be it." But if we say our "Amen" in Christ, then it means, "In Christ it will surely be."

The word "Amen" has an incomparably deeper meaning on the lips of the Lord Jesus Himself. Here it is worth recalling that in the New Testament the Lord Jesus is once attributed "Amen" as his name: " The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this" (Rev 3:14). Because Christ the Lord says to his Eternal Father an absolute "yes", an absolute "Amen" - and the good news that the Eternal Father wants to show us mercy and reconcile with us, he brought us in absolute purity, without shallowness and distortions. He is the "Amen" of His Heavenly Father. And when He says to us, "Amen, amen, I say to you," "Truly, truly, I say to you," it means, "This is the truth that I bring you from my Father, hear in this truth the word of His love."

Well, the truth that the Lord Jesus tells us in today's Gospel sounds seemingly dry and sharp: "Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." Let us ask ourselves: what message of God's love is contained in these difficult words of the Lord Jesus? Now, first of all, the Lord Jesus admonishes us not to try to command God. "Give us a sign from heaven and we will believe you," demanded the Pharisees. And yet it is forbidden to assume the pose of a commanding agent before God. God must be entrusted.

Second, it seemed to the Pharisees that if they believed the Lord Jesus, they would show Him their mercy. Yet in reality it is quite the opposite: it is He who shows us the great grace of deigning to welcome us as his disciples. Therefore, the Lord Jesus did not want to talk to them any longer. Jesus helps us avoid these Pharisaic mistakes

Thought from Saint Faustina: “And God has given me to understand that there is but one thing that is of infinite value in His eyes, and that is love of God; love, love and once again, love; and nothing can compare with a single act of pure love of God. Oh, with what inconceivable favors God gifts a soul that loves Him sincerely! Oh, how happy is the soul who already here on earth enjoys His special favors! And of such are the little and humble souls. (…) And I rejoice immensely in His greatness and am delighted that I am so little because, since I am little, He carries me in His arms and holds me close to His Heart”. (Diary 778-779)

Until Tomorrow

fr. george