We human beings often complicate our relationship with God. We suspect, at least at times, that finding God in our lives is a very complex business and perhaps beyond our capabilities. Perhaps we are somewhat like the Pharisees in today's Gospel. They are sure that a proper sign from Jesus will finally make everything clear as though Jesus had said nothing and done nothing up to then!

There may be for us that "one more thing" that when it happens - or so we say - will make us certain of God's presence and love in our lives. As we then look for that one thing, we may well miss the many other things that the Lord is doing in our presence. Or we may be like the man in the first reading who is trying with sincerity to respond to God's complaint against his people. He is ready to act but he is certain that God must be asking something incredibly hard and difficult. No, says God's prophet in response. God asks only that we try to be just, fair and compassionate and that we carry out our everyday lives with a sense that God is present both with us and with the people with whom we deal.