Why do we seek signs? What is the difference between receiving a sign from God and seeking a sign from God?
In today’s gospel, Jesus strongly condemns those seeking signs. Why? Such actions are demonstrations of a lack of faith, trust, and spiritual immaturity. Jesus wants us to seek Him through the gift of faith.
Jesus states that only one sign will be given, the sign of Jonah. What is this “sign of Jonah”?
The story of Jonah is found in the Book of Jonah. At the end of his spiritual escapade, Jonah spent three days in the belly of the whale. Like Jonah, Jesus would be in the tomb for three days, hence, the triduum. The “sign of Jonah” would become a “sign of Christ,” which we call His paschal mystery: His Suffering, Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection.
To us, the “Sign” has been given, and nothing else remains. Don’t look for something else. Niente. Nulla. Those who ever want to prove Christianity in the wrong, try to disprove this “sign.”
You may have seen the movie “THE CASE FOR CHRIST,” which is the story of how Lee Strobel, a Chicago Tribune journalist, set out to disprove Christianity when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian and challenged Lee’s atheist beliefs. Leslie starts going to church with a Christian nurse who saved their daughter’s life at a restaurant. When Leslie tells Lee about her newfound interest in Christianity, Lee gets angry. A Christian colleague urges Lee to investigate the evidence for and against Christ’s resurrection. So, Lee does exactly that. It shows that the evidence for Christianity and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is beyond reproach. However, it also extols the honest search for truth. THE CASE FOR CHRIST is a must-see movie for both Christians and atheists.
How many times have you read the account of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament? If you are given the opportunity to put up a sign in the Garden of Eden, what would your sign read?
Peter Kreeft noted that his own sign will read: “No Snakes Allowed.” Jesus is telling us today, “No Lack of Faith Allowed.” No wonder he tells you and I, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9: 62)
One who is greater than Jonah and Solomon and whom we week and receive at the Sacrament of the Eucharist is with us.
We meet Him also at the confessional. We should never forget that. He is always faithful. When you are in trouble, remember that He is present even when you feel Him least.
Being Catholic can save you a lot of money. Confession is free; psychiatrists are expensive.
Confession is a bathtub. The confessional is a transformer. Adam walks in, and Christ walks out.
