Sign of Jonah

In today’s Mass reading, we hear the startling response to the Pharisees:

Mark 8:11-13 The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

Which is a just response, for “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Lk 4:12, Dt 6:16)

However, in a parallel passage in Matthew, we hear that there is a sign for evil and unfaithful, not so much as tempting God gains a response, but in God’s mercy, the path to the narrow door is open to all.

Matthew 12:39-40. 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."

Having once been of the evil and unfaithful generation, I will bear witness that this sign was made visible to me by St. Augustine. As Fr. Morse Later was fond of saying, “all religions were founded by men, but only one was founded by a man who rose from the dead.”

To take it one step further, the men of Jesus’ own time were able to see this sign, and the sign would be available to be seen until the end of time. And Jesus has insured that this sign has a continuity here, today, among us, for all to see. Hear Him tell you how that sign is linked to Him:

Matthew 17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father."

Forever linked is the sign for you, oh evil and perverse generation; and you hate him now, as you hated Him then.