It is probably not a good thing for the Christian church to be too comfortable, prosperous, or accepted by society. The early Christians discovered that it was during their times of persecutions that they seemed to flourish as a community. Even though there was a severe famine and persecution at the hands of Herod, the Christians focused on helping their brothers and sisters in need and sharing what they had. It was because of this sort of life that they were first called 'Christians'. When things do not go well for us it is not the time for defensiveness, fear, or flight. It is a call to remember who we are and to be that beacon of hope and compassion we are meant to be.

The crowd wanted a sign or confirmation from Jesus that he was indeed the Messiah. But he refused to give one. He insisted that those who belonged to him - those with hearts and minds open to God - would instinctively recognize who he was and respond with faith. In our world there are many voices that claim to have the truth. If we listen with the heart and soul we can have an inner sense of the correct path. We can recognize the presence of Jesus wherever it might be. Jesus is one in mind, heart, and will with the Father. He invites us to be one with him so that we too can experience that same relationship.