To this generation, no other sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 11, 29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, he 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.

The Lord’s word.

Let your light shine.

Nowadays, there is a tendency to ask for miracles, healings, and transformations without effort. It may seem that sacrifice and self-denial are things of the time of Jonah.

So, it is common to ask God for a miracle so that my husband changes because he has certain behaviors that annoy me or that I am not willing to tolerate.

This does not mean that the Lord does not perform miracles. He does, and many. But the Lord does not want those kinds of comfortable miracle expectations that separate us from the cross.

He wants me to convey His mercy to my husband. How is that done? There is only one way: to be very close to the Lord, to be in grace, to purify my soul by battling in my heart, and thus allowing the light of the Lord that resides in the deepest part of my soul to reach my husband. That light will be able to heal him. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Jaime: Ana, I clearly saw today in prayer. As I detach myself from my attachments and order my passions, the light of God that dwells in me will shine out more purely.

Ana: Of course, let’s say that it comes out of you less distorted and more clear. And as I purify mine, that light will also come into my interior with more power.

Jaime: In this way, we can supply each other with God’s light. What do you think?

Ana: I think it’s beautiful and a huge responsibility before God and before you.

Jaime: So, let’s strive to purify our souls so that the light of God shines for both of us.

Mother,

The sign we receive is sanctifying grace, which is effective. Indeed it is. May it not interrupt or adulterate the light of grace. Praise be to the Lord who dwells in me.