Getting Huffy

How do we react when we believe we know the truth and others don't?

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, 'Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.' And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. - Mark 8:11-13

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus gets angry with those who seek proof that he speaks truthfully about God, and he leaves them.

He tells them they will get no proof, no sign, no explanation other than what he has already shown them.

He is not happy.  His anger seem like arrogance.  His disciples, who probably could have used some clarification, something more from him, get rebuked.

It is such a human trait, isn't it, to be arrogant when we know we are right and others doubt us?

I know I have trouble with people who act that way, and I am sure there are times I get huffy when I know I am right and others don't listen, but I may not see it in myself.

It isn't attractive or endearing, to set oneself apart or above others and just walk away leaving them feeling demeaned.

Perhaps Jesus didn't intend that with the Pharisees, but as readers, we get the message that he wasn't exactly respectful of them.  And so it is with us, when we act that way with people we have little use for.

There is a lot of that going around these days, and it is upsetting to say the least.  If we continue to shut out the voices of those we disagree with, to be arrogant and walk away in a huff, we will only hear our own voice, and that will be bad.

Then it won't matter if we are right or wrong, for we will be alone.

So, maybe today I will keep myself in check, taking time to listen without reacting, just long enough to hear what you have to say.  I may not understand how you could feel that way, but I might understand how strongly you do.

More to come...