To those who wanted to see Him work a magic trick, Jesus replied: "An evil and unfaithful age is eager for a sign! No sign will be given it but that of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth" (Mt 12:39-40). In other words, in answer to their request for a sign, Jesus gave them the sign of the cross.
The sign of the cross is like a stop sign. When we are driving and we see a stop sign, we automatically come to a stop and look to see what is happening. When we see a crucifix, we must react the same way. We should immediately stop and look at the crucified Christ, keeping "our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2). Indeed, this should stop us in our tracks. As mighty men and women of old have reacted (Is 52:14-15), we stand speechless before the sight of the Son of God hanging in agony. We listen to Jesus as He tells us to stop and know that He is God (see Ps 46:11).
Stop! "Stop sinning" (1 Cor 15:33). "You have only to keep still" (Ex 14:14). Stop, in the name of Love!
| PRAYER: | "I will sing to the Lord, for He is gloriously triumphant...He is my God, I praise Him" (Ex 15:1, 2). |
| PROMISE: | "Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today." –Ex 14:13 |
| PRAISE: | St. Sharbel Makhluf was a Lebanese monk who lived as a hermit in poverty, self-sacrifice, and prayer. He traded his previous life for a lifetime of serving Jesus, and thereby discovered who he was (Mt 10:39). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College