Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 24, 2023

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:

The gospel reading for today, Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, occurs within a section of the Gospel of Matthew that focuses on the rejection of Jesus, his works and teachings, by those with authority. In today’s text, the scribes and Pharisees demand “a sign.” It must be noted that on that day He had already healed a man with a withered hand which they had witnessed in the synagogue. To some extent, this demand for a sign recalls the Israelites’ demand for a sign even after they had experienced the 10 plagues, the exodus from Egypt, and the crossing of the Red Sea. Today’s text reminds us of the human capacity for doubt and tendency to test the LORD.

Jesus’ response of “the sign of Jonah” of course refers to his three days in the tomb preceding his resurrection. And the queen from the south refers to the Queen of Sheba who traveled to Jerusalem to meet Solomon because of his great wisdom. Jesus proclaims that “there is something greater” than these present, pointing to himself.

The message of this text for us today is really the same as it was to the scribes and pharisees. Are we demanding “a sign” from Christ before we give our whole mind, heart, and soul over to being his disciple? Do we test the LORD?

Meditating on the text:

Am I holding back in my opening of myself to the LORD? Do I test the LORD? Do I seek additional signs before giving of myself truly and wholly to following Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, daily we awake to the world You created, to our sisters and brothers You gave your life to save from sin and death, to a world animated by You and your great love for us. Stir us with your love and illuminate our minds so that we might grow into the daughters and sons You created us to be and the disciples You call us to be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.