GOSPEL REFLECTION OF POPE FRANCIS - 07/24/23 (Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time)

From the Gospel according to Matthew

Mt 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,

"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.

Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights,

so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth

three days and three nights.

At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation

and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah;

and there is something greater than Jonah here.

At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation

and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth

to hear the wisdom of Solomon;

and there is something greater than Solomon here."

WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER

The sign of Jonah, the true sign, is the one that fills us with confidence that we are saved by the blood of Christ. So many Christians - how many there are! - think they will be saved only by what they do, by their works. Works are necessary, but they come as a consequence, as a response to that merciful love that saves us. But works alone, without that merciful love, are of no avail. Instead, the 'Jonah syndrome' indicates someone who trusts only in their personal righteousness, in their works. Therefore, the 'Jonah syndrome' leads us to hypocrisy, to self-righteousness, to be clean, perfect Christians, 'because we do these works: we fulfil the commandments, everything.' This is a great illness. Behold the sign of Jonah: God's mercy in Jesus Christ, who died and rose for us and for our salvation. (Homily Santa Marta, 14 October 2013)

Source:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/word-of-the-day.html

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. +  

Optional Memorial of Saint Sharbel Makhlūf, Priest, Hermit:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-24---saint-sharbel-makhluf-hermit

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

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

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth