Meditation of the day: the only true sign of the cross
Meditation of the day, the only true sign of the cross: the crowd seemed to be a mixed group. First, there were those who believed in Jesus wholeheartedly. The Twelve, for example, left everything to follow him. His mother and various other holy women believed in Him and were His faithful followers. But among the growing crowd, it seemed there were many who questioned Jesus and wanted some form of proof of Who He was. So, they wanted a sign from heaven.
As still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus told them: “This generation is a wicked generation; he looks for a sign, but no sign will be given him, except the sign of Jonah “. Luke 11:29
A sign from heaven would have been outwardly manifest proof of who Jesus was. True, Jesus had already performed numerous miracles. But it seems that this was not enough. They wanted more, and that desire is a clear sign of obstinacy of heart and lack of faith. So Jesus could not and did not want to give them the sign they wanted.
Prayer to Jesus Crucified for graces
Meditation of the day, the only true sign of the cross: instead, Jesus says that the only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah. Remember that the sign of Jonah was not very tempting. He was thrown over the edge of a boat and swallowed by a whale, where he remained three days before being spat on the shores of Nineveh.
The sign of Jesus would be similar. He would suffer at the hands of religious leaders and civil authorities, be killed and put in a grave. And then, three days later, he would rise again. But His resurrection was not the one in which He came out with rays of light for all to see; rather, his appearances after his resurrection were for those who already manifested faith and already believed.
The lesson for us is that God will not convince us of matters of faith through powerful, Hollywood-like public displays of God's greatness. The "sign" offered to us, however, is an invitation to die with Christ to personally begin to experience the new life of the Resurrection. This gift of faith is internal, not publicly external. Our death to sin is something we do personally and inwardly, and the new life we receive can only be seen by others from the testimony of our lives that have changed.
Waking up happy: what is the best routine to smile in the morning
Reflect today on the true sign that God has given you. If you are one who seems to be waiting for some manifest sign from our Lord, wait no longer. Look at the crucifix, look at the suffering and death of Jesus and choose to follow him in a death to all sin and selfishness. Die with him, enter the tomb with him and let him make you come out interiorly renewed in this Lent, so that you can be transformed by this one and only sign from Heaven.
Prayer: My crucified Lord, I look at the crucifix and see in Your death the greatest act of love ever known. Give me the grace I need to follow you to the grave so that your death will triumph over my sins. Free me, dear Lord, during the Lenten journey so that I can fully share your new life of resurrection. Jesus I believe in you.