Dear friends, in this our generation of “signs and wonders” it is obvious that the number of miracles a “man of God” achieve will determine the number of followers. That is, the more “miracles” or “deceptions”, the more his followers increase.
In today’s Gospel we see the crowds following Jesus all because of signs and wonders. Jesus should have been happy because his followers will increase there by making him a celebrity with plenty followers like the men of God in our age feel in the midst of their massive followers.
Jesus, knowing the mentality and motive of his audience, reprimanded them sternly as they increased in number, saying: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah…’
The phrase “sign of Jonah” as used by Jesus in the Gospels was a typological metaphor for His death, burial, and resurrection. Matthew opines further: “For as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so the Son of Man will be, three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Mt. 12:40). In other words, the sign of Jonah points to the passion and resurrection of Christ.
Consequently , the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “the Holy Eucharist is the memorial of the Passion and resurrection of Christ” (cf. CCC #1330), and so, the sign of Jonah continues to point and redirect us to the Eucharist in this age of “signs and wonders.”
What other signs do we need other than that made present in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist? Dear friends, the Lord is still admonishing those of us who go about from pillar to poles seeking miracles, signs and wonders instead of appreciating the Sacrament of his body and blood- the sign of Jonah.
Let us use this season of Lent to pray, fast and give alms like the Ninevites that the Lord may have mercy on us.
Peace be with you!
