Daily Gospel Reflection
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February 25, 2026
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.”
Amid work and parenting pressures, our spiritual lives often breathe as if a boot were pressed upon our chest. We muster small gestures—getting to Mass as obligated, speedily whispering prayers in routine half-light and half-hope—but without space for the expansive breaths needed for deeper purpose and conviction. With due respect for “bite-sized” spiritualities like Therese’s “Little Way,” I want to recommend a different path: the grand pilgrimage, the dramatic resolution, the foolish dive into the deep end.
Today, Jesus references two examples of grandiose spiritual decision: first, pagan Nineveh, from king to lowest peasant, covered themselves in sackcloth and ash in collective repentance at the preaching of Jonah; second, the “Queen of the South” from pagan Sheba traveled great distances to pepper King Solomon with questions, hoping to experience his wisdom firsthand. Two stories of decisive, dramatic conversions by outsiders; two examples of energetic and soulful tenacity in response to the felt newness, wisdom, and warmth of Israel’s God.
Last Lent, influenced by a Spirit-given desire to find a creative outlet for my faith, I started a Substack and dedicated two hours weekly to spiritual writing. It felt big, scary, and more vulnerable than any recent Lenten resolution. I was far from perfect in observance, and I still suffer regular (albeit manageable) agonies of writer’s block. But I’m glad I chose a grander resolution rather than an incremental one.
Taking the audacious path can position us to behold God’s mercies anew. What grand journey do you daydream about? Maybe there’s a call to venture into the deep.
Prayer
Father in heaven, as he was lifted high on the cross, your son Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate sign of your love. Convert our hearts to rely on you. Deepen our faith, help us to carry our own crosses, so that we may place all our hope in your power to save. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Callistus Caravario is a 20th-century martyr, having offered his life to spread the faith in China.
He was born near Turin, Italy, in 1903, and was quiet and reflective as a child. Even as a youth, he had a regular practice of prayer. He loved his mother very much and remained in close contact with her throughout his life by writing many letters.
He was educated at a school opened by St. John Bosco some 50 years earlier. Callistus served at morning Mass every day and was at the top of his class. He was encouraged to join the community of Salesian priests who staffed the school.
In 1922, Bishop Versiglia, who worked in the foreign missions, visited the school to share his experiences in China with the community there. “Bishop, you will see me in China,” Callistus told him.
When the rector of the school went to the mission territory in China, Callistus begged to follow him. Soon, he was writing back to his mother that he was teaching the catechism in Chinese.
He was sent to Macao and then to Timor, where his example of goodness and discipleship encouraged many people. “My good mother,” he wrote, “pray that your Callistus may not be just half a priest but completely the priest.”
In 1929, he was ordained by Bishop Versiglia and entrusted with the mission in Linchow. He promptly visited all of the families in the area and connected with the children there.
The political situation in China had been worsening since 1927 with civil war between the government and communist forces. Persecutions began and foreigners and Christians were targeted.
In 1930, Callistus was accompanying Bishop Versiglia as he traveled through the Linchow mission by boat on a pastoral visit. Some young boys and girls traveled with them. A group of communist rebel pirates stopped the ship, and demanded that the group hand over the girls. Bishop Versiglia and Callistus refused.
The two were overtaken and bound. They had time to hear one another’s confessions before being shot on this date.
St. Callistus Caravario, the missionary to China who died defending the people he loved and served, pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Callistus Caravario is in the public domain. Last accessed December 5, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.
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