the sign is the length of the line
"This is an evil age. It seeks a sign. But no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah." —Luke 11:29
To the Pharisees who wanted a dazzling, miraculous sign, Jesus offered the sign of Jonah. What was the sign of Jonah? It was a sign with two meanings. First, it was a sign of the Resurrection of Jesus. Jonah was buried in the water in the belly of a large fish, and was delivered safely to land on the third day (Jon 2:1, 11). Second, another sign of Jonah was the sign of repentance. The entire population of the sinfully wicked city of Nineveh, 120,000 people, repented upon hearing the prophetic word of Jonah (Jon 3:4-5, 4:11).
One of the greatest of signs is a repentant heart. To see many repentant hearts is a phenomenal sign that was difficult to miss. This is why a sinner who repents brings great joy in heaven (Lk 15:7, 10). Tax collectors and prostitutes, the most public of sinners, were repenting and turning to Jesus and to God. Nonetheless, the Pharisees missed this sign, even when Jesus pointed it out to them (Mt 21:31).
Perhaps many do not notice the Lord working in the present time because they don't see people repenting of their sins and changing their lives. If repentant sinners are the sign God gives that could bring people to God, then let's repent and get in line for Confession. Lengthen the line for Confession by repenting of your sins and inviting others to Confession. Be a sign. Repent!
Prayer: Father, create in me a clean heart (Ps 51:12) so that I might be a life-long minister of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18).
Promise: "It was for liberty that Christ freed us. So stand firm, and do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!" —Gal 5:1
Praise: St. Teresa fought evil within and outside the Church. She taught: "Prayer is an act of love, words are not needed...all that is needed is the will to love."
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 3, 2018
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