REFLECTIONS TODAY
The Ninevites repented at the preaching of Jonah. They believed that his message came from God. To avert punishment, they fasted and wore sackcloths as a sign of their repentance. Jesus commends those pagan people who responded to the call of God, without asking for proofs or signs from the prophet Jonah.
In contrast, some of the scribes and Pharisees demand for a sign, something like a miracle. For what? Will they believe in Jesus if he performs a sign for them as a proof that he comes from God? Jesus does not give in to their demand. Instead, he condemns them as evil and unfaithful generation. They are not entitled to a sign. They should not expect anything from Jesus if they are like that. Enough for them is the sign of Jonah. It is also for them. They should also repent like the Ninevites. There is no need for extra miracle.
Gospel • 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
