Daily Gospel Reflection
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July 21, 2025
Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
He said to them in reply,
“An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign,
but no sign will be given it
except the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights,
so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth
three days and three nights.
At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah;
and there is something greater than Jonah here.
At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation
and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon;
and there is something greater than Solomon here.”
As much as I would rather not identify with Jesus’ adversaries, I can’t help but relate to the scribes and Pharisees. I’ve spent more than 25 years drafting contracts, trying to minimize risks, looking around corners for trouble, and checking the impulses of my less-reserved clients. I’m always trying to make sure that everything will be okay.
In the moments before the encounter described in this gospel passage, Jesus has astonished a crowd by giving sight and voice to a man who was previously blind and mute. The Pharisees are skeptical. Who is this itinerant preacher? The scribes and Pharisees know and heed God’s law; they need to be careful. Who gives Jesus the authority to work miracles? Maybe it’s all a trick.
So they ask for a sign. Or rather, another sign, because they have, of course, just seen one. Yet they ask for more. The scribes and Pharisees have devoted their lives to the study of God’s word and law, but when the very Word incarnate is standing in front of them, they don’t believe. They have questions.
Am I like this? Do I accept what God puts in front of me? Or am I too cautious, looking for reasons not to embrace God’s plan for my life? Prudence is a virtue, but perfectionism can derail us. Faith does not require us to throw caution to the wind, but it does require us to nudge doubt out of the way. Faith can be certain even as it embraces uncertainty.
When I catch myself acting like a Pharisee, trying too hard, seeking to answer every question, I take comfort in the words that Moses spoke to the Israelites when they feared the pursuing Egyptians: “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, your life, preaching, death, and resurrection are signs of your love and care for us. When our faith is tested and we seek some other sign, give us the strength to continue to trust in you. Lead us, by your preaching and wisdom, to ever deeper faith, so that we can follow you to the new life that you promise in the Kingdom of Heaven. We ask this in your most holy name. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Lawrence of Brindisi had a brilliant mind and used his influence to build the kingdom of God in both the secular and sacred spheres of his day.
He was born in Brindisi in the kingdom of Naples in 1559 and was given the name Cesare de Rossi. He was educated by Franciscans and furthered his studies in Venice. He decided to follow his teachers and became a Capuchin Franciscan priest, taking the name Lawrence.
He had a near perfect recall of Scripture, and learned Greek, Hebrew, German, Bohemian, French, and Spanish. Lawrence’s preaching was noticed by many, and he was entrusted with more responsibilities. Soon he was given tasks by both the pope and the emperor that took him through Italy and Germany, where he founded new monasteries and developed the Church.
In one case, Lawrence even led the army. The emperor sent Lawrence to help the German princes repel Turkish forces threatening Hungary. Lawrence was appointed chaplain of the forces; known for his wisdom, the generals asked his advice when they faced a confrontation with the enemy. Lawrence advised attacking, and even rode before the army carrying a crucifix. The Turks were soundly defeated, and the victory was attributed to Lawrence’s assistance and example.
Lawrence continued to assist rulers of his age as a messenger and diplomat, and used his influence to improve governance and promote peace. He was worn out from all of his labors and travel, and died in 1619. When his life and writings were reviewed in his cause for canonization, it was declared that he was to be honored as a doctor of the Church. Most of his writings were sermons, which stood out for teaching the faith so well.
Relics of St. Lawrence of Brindisi rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Lawrence of Brindisi, you were the diplomat who used your mind and heart to build the kingdom of God—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Lawrence of Brindisi is in the public domain. Last accessed March 20, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
