GOSPEL, Matthew (12:38-42)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew
The Sign of Jonah
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. 41 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here!
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION
True followers of Jesus Christ; believe in His Word and His Resurrection, based simply on their trust and hope in the person of Jesus Christ, regardless of the dramatic occurrences in response to His prayer.
The masters of Law reflection wanted God to meet his whim rather than humbly discern his will. “Master, we want to see a sign performed by you”. Mark (12:38)
Jesus calling them an “evil and adulterous generation” gives them the sign of the prophet Jonah: “just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so also the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the bosom of the Earth.” (Mt 12:40) revealing on the one hand his death and resurrection and on the other hand the disbelief of his interlocutors, authors of his condemnation and death.
The Lord who is greater than Jonah (Mt 12:41) and greater than Solomon (Mt 12:42) shows His greatness by the sacrifice of his Life. He offers a completely new life, full of the love of God to those who know how to accept and convert to the Word of Salvation.
Let us not wait for spectacular exterior signs. We just need to realize the intensity and effectiveness of the inspirations received after prayer and reflection on his Word. He reveals himself to those who have faith, to those who give themselves to others and seek him wholeheartedly through commitment, collaborating in the miracle of a better world…
Let us let ourselves be motivated by the loving presence of God, and we will find a meaning for our existence, our mission on earth. Let The Holy Spirit come into us and ask Him humbly and with enthusiasm: Lord, what do You want me to do?
PRAYER
Show yourselves to us Lord; open our eyes so that we can perceive Your presence even in the simple signs with which you ordinarily manifest Yourself in your Church. Amen.