Gospel
From the Gospel according to Luke. Lk. 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Making Christ Present
Today, just like He did with the people of His time, Jesus is is calling us out. Since He came into the world, since His Redemption, we’ve been given everything we need to have the kind of marriage He intended, but we’re still so lost. In married life, we often wait for “signs” from each other: perfect gestures of affection, just the right words of comfort, clear proof of love. But the Gospel reminds us that what we really need is to open our hearts to what’s already in front of us. Jesus reminds us that the real sign isn’t something external, but faithfulness and true self-giving.
The “sign of Jonah” was about people who listened, and changed. In marriage, the real sign isn’t big gestures or flashy moments. It’s found in the simple things: in daily patience, in offering forgiveness, in the effort to understand each other, in the tenderness we give without expecting anything in return. The Gospel also says: “Here is one greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon.” In marriage, that “greater one” is Christ, present right between the two of us. If both are truly trying to find Jesus in the other, the relationship doesn’t rely just on human words, but on the certainty of a deeper love. So let’s never forget that our marriage is made of three and that we don’t miss the signs of His presence in our everyday life.
Applied to married life:
Lucy: Declan, I want to say sorry. A lot of times, I get all twisted up inside thinking you don’t love me enough. I focus only on what you say or do and I don’t see your heart.
Declan: Have you been reading my mind? I was literally thinking the same thing. I often get stuck on appearances and feel like the kids come before me in your heart.
Lucy: Wow, I’m sorry. It’s true that sometimes, when I doubt your love for me, I just shut down, and I don’t even feel like making you dinner.
Declan: Wait, seriously? But your dinners are amazing!
Lucy: Haha, you dummy. Well, on those days, I cook without a single drop of love.
Declan: Babe, on our wedding day, when I said “yes,” I gave you my past, my present, and my future. I mess up a lot, and sometimes I don’t show you that because I get caught up in myself. I’m sorry.
Lucy: That’s exactly why I want to ask both you and God to forgive me. Our marriage is made of three, and on the days I close in on myself, I even start to doubt if getting married was the right choice… But now, after praying, I realize this all comes from me, from my own insecurities and my need for a “perfect” kind of love from you. I’m sorry, love.
Declan: You’re adorable. From now on, let’s not doubt that God is in our marriage and let’s stop asking each other for more “signs.” Deal?
Lucy: Totally. And now I’m gonna make you a delicious dinner with lots of love this time.
Mother,
Teach us not to doubt our spouse, and to focus on the greatest sign that unites us: our Sacrament. Praise be to the Lord who waits for us in our spouse.