SIGN FOR THE UNFAITHFUL GENERATION - 7/18/22 (Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time)

Matthew 12:38-39

“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071822.cfm

For more information on Catholic miracles, click here:

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/miracles-and-evangelism

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

For more information on how to pray the rosary, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/the-most-holy-rosary/

Blessed Monday! The Pharisees came close to Jesus and called Him a "Teacher." They said that they wanted to see a sign or a miracle coming from Him. A quick reading may imply that they are getting better at their faith. Yet, Jesus immediately called them an evil and unfaithful generation. Our Lord knew the hearts and intentions of the Pharisees. They were not sincere in their request. They could be asking just to trap Jesus, like what they did before, or they could also be asking simply to be amazed by such miracles. But, deep within, they did not have the true desire to repent of their sins. 

In our culture today, it is an unfortunate reality that there are many people, even Catholics, who do not believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church. They did not believe that Jesus speaks through His Church. God is merciful towards us. Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, He performed miracles through the Church to lead more people to repentance. Even in the modern times, numerous miracles are scientifically verified to have no natural explanations as seen in the link above. However, some people are not even open to reconsider this truth because of the difficulty of following Jesus. Meanwhile, some of us may simply look at them and be amazed without becoming committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

We are living in a time of generation who scandalize and influence us to not follow the will of God. Many people are telling one another to not go to Church anymore. Pregnant women are being pressured to abort their children rather than help them with their real needs while protecting both the life of the children and the mothers. The message of our Lord Jesus Christ is not just limited to people who do not believe in His teachings. In reality, all of us should truly reflect upon it. There are times when we pray to God and ask Him to show His presence to us. We may even recognize His numerous blessings. Jesus is reminding us that being really grateful to Him will lead us to love Him back and not just to list the good things He has given to us. His blessings will move us to be blessings to others. His patience will move us to be patient and not dwell on anger with other people. 

After Jesus called them an unfaithful generation, He told them that the only sign that would be given to them was the sign of Jonah. Jesus was pertaining to the time when Jonah was inside the belly of the whale for 3 days and 3 nights, and He was foretelling His death and resurrection. This just shows us how incomprehensible God's mercy is. When we are opposed by others, it may be easy for us to not love them back. And yet, seeing our weaknesses, Jesus was moved to offer Himself on the cross and to rise again on the third day. His victory against death is the sign that we truly need. Let's not be afraid to admit our sins and weaknesses before our good God. To be honest with Jesus in admitting the times that we are unfaithful to Him will soften our hearts and open it for God's graces. If we recognize God's voice in our conscience which inspires us to go to confession, let's not neglect His voice. We still have time to turn away from sins and to spend our time for the glory of God. May we praise the Lord, express our hope in Him and believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic