The Sign That Is Already Given

Voice over by Eliz

Jonah 3:1-10, Psalm: 50, Lk 11:29-32

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In the spiritual life, we can sometimes be like children, forever asking for one more sign, one more piece of evidence, before we commit ourselves fully. We want God to prove Himself on our terms.

The Book of Jonah presents one of the most dramatic conversions in all of Scripture. The prophet Jonah finally goes to Nineveh, the great enemy city, and proclaims a message of impending doom: “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.” The people’s response is immediate, total, and astonishing. From the greatest to the least, they believe, proclaim a fast, and put on sackcloth. The king himself rises from his throne, sits in ashes, and decrees that everyone must turn from evil. “Who knows?” he says, “God may relent and forgive.” And God does. The sign for Nineveh was the prophetic word itself, and they heeded it with profound repentance.

Centuries later, Jesus confronts a generation that has seen His works and heard His teaching, yet still demands more. “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” He reminds them that the Queen of the South traveled far to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and the Ninevites repented at Jonah’s preaching. “But behold,” He declares, “something greater than Jonah is here.” Jesus Himself is the ultimate sign. His entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection are the definitive proof of God’s mercy and love. To ask for another sign is to miss the one standing before them.

For us, the message is urgent and comforting. God is not hiding. He is not holding back the one piece of evidence that would convince us. He has given the sign—the sign of Jonah, which is the Paschal Mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. Every time we make the Sign of the Cross, every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we recall this supreme sign of love.

Yet, like Nineveh, we are called to respond. Where in our lives do we need to believe the prophetic word and repent? Is there a habit of sin, an attitude of pride, a relationship in need of forgiveness that requires us to “rise from our throne” and sit in ashes?

Pope Francis, reflecting on this passage, says, “Jesus is the greatest sign God has given us.” He is the sign of the Father’s mercy, constantly calling us to conversion.

This Lent, let us stop asking for more signs. Let us instead open our eyes to the One who is already here. Let us respond with the swift, total conversion of Nineveh, trusting in the mercy of the God who sent us Someone greater than Jonah. For in Him, we find all the proof we will ever need. Amen.

May God bless you all!