Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 21, 2025

Date: Monday of the 16^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ response to the scribes’ and Pharisees’ demand for a sign of His divine authority. Jesus tells those doubting that they have failed to recognize within their midst one greater than Jonah and Solomon.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What do I do when my faith is lacking? Do I try to negotiate with the LORD for a “sign”?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your prophets to call your people back. But humanity would not turn. So, You sent your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as prophet, king, priest and Savior. He called us to repent and turn back, He called us to unity as members of your kingdom and to service to one another for love of You. He offered the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, Himself. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that His love poured out for us transforms our minds, our hearts, our very being so that we might become the disciples He calls us to be and the daughters and sons You created us to be. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.