MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 21 JULY
July 21, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE – 22 JULY
July 22, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
21 JULY, 2025
Matthew 12:38-42
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, the scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, seeking proof of His divine authority. Yet Jesus rebukes them, pointing to the “sign of Jonah” as the only one they will receive. Just as Jonah was three days in the belly of the great fish, so would the Son of Man be three days in the heart of the earth—foretelling His death and resurrection. Jesus highlights the unbelief of His generation, despite witnessing greater revelation than even Jonah or Solomon provided. Their hearts were hardened not due to lack of signs, but because of unwillingness to believe.
This passage calls us to examine our faith. Do we seek miraculous signs as a condition to believe, or do we recognize the power of Christ already revealed in His death and resurrection? Jesus is greater than all the prophets and kings of the past. Our response should be humble repentance and faithful obedience, not skepticism and delay.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are greater than Jonah and wiser than Solomon. You have already given us the greatest sign—Your death and resurrection for our salvation. Forgive us when we demand more proof while neglecting the truth You’ve already shown. Soften our hearts to believe, not just with our minds but with our lives. Help us to trust in You fully and to respond in repentance and faith. May we never miss the grace before us, but walk each day with eyes open to Your glory.
Amen
