The Song of Bernadette is a 1943 film which dramatizes the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous.

St Bernadette, reported eighteen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in  Lourdes, France, from February to July 1858.

This movie begins with a prologue-dialogue, which goes thus…
“For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary.
For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible”

This statement casts light on an important aspect of the nature of faith and belief:
>> To those who believe, miracles are an aid…
>> To those choose not to believe, no miracles can come to aid!

The Gospel of the Day is clear example of this aspect of the nature of faith and belief…
… the constant refusal of some of the people to believe in Jesus
… the adamant denial of some of the people to accept Jesus

The Gospel of the Day begins with Jesus “casting out a demon that was dumb” (Lk 11: 14)

This healing was welcomed with a sense of marvel and amazement by some (Lk 11: 14b) 
>> However, some of them expressed doubt, hesitation and suspicion:
“He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons”

Some of them even sought to test Him (Lk 11:16)

But the Gospel says, “Jesus knew their thoughts”… (Lk 11: 17)
….and He gave a response which was full of intensity and strength. 

What made Jesus to respond so strongly?

>> Was Jesus against asking signs?
>> Was Jesus against unbelief?

The answer to perhaps all the above questions is.. not in the affirmative!

Jesus is NOT necessarily against asking signs…

The Bible is a witness to many people asking for signs from God…
•       Gideon asked for a sign from God (Judg 6:17)
•       Moses asked God what sign would prove to Pharaoh that he was sent by God ( Ex 4:1)
•       Elijah promises what Elisha had asked for, on the condition of a sign (2 Kg 2:10)

Jesus is NOT out rightly against lack of belief or unbelief…
•       The unbelieving Thomas, was chided, but not condemned by Jesus, after His resurrection (Jn 20:27-28)
•       The lack of faith of the disciples is saddening for Jesus, but He does not reject them (Mk 4:40)
•       The father, whose boy was possessed with a demon was blessed with a healing, on his acknowledgment of littleness in faith (Mk 9:24)
•       The emotionally unsettled and wavering Peter is given another chance to prove his loyalty despite his rejection and denial of faith in Jesus (Jn 21:15-17)

Then what is Jesus against?
Ø Jesus is terribly against those people who reject faith, despite many signs and wonders that are obviously presented
Ø Jesus is terribly against those people who demand for greater miracles for merely curiosity and excitement
Ø Jesus is terribly against those people who make use of the powers of God for personal satisfaction and gratification
Ø Jesus is terribly against those people who remain stone-hearted, unmoved and indifferent despite clear indications and signals from God.
 

The group of people, in today’s Gospel, who oppose the person and message of Jesus, this class of people, who made themselves warranted of terrible dislike and aversion…
… ‘cos of their attitude of indifference
… ‘cos of their mentality of coldness
… ‘cos of their outlook of rejection

Am I also a person who constantly rejects signs and wonders from the Lord, and fail to grow in faith?
>> Am I also a person who remains obstinate and indifferent to God’s powers, and fail to be open to God’s movements in my life?

The Lord is constantly speaking to us through various miracles.
>> The Lord is constantly moving our hearts through many blessings.
>> The Lord is constantly inspiring our lives through immense wonders.

Let us be open and docile to Him!

May we be willing to open our hearts…
…so that “we can obey His voice; and thus, He be our God and we His people” (Jer 7:23)

God Bless! Live Jesus!