HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II. 20.07.2020.
Readings: Micah 6:1-4.6-8;
Psalm 50 and Matthew 12:38-42. 
Sign of Jonah
AN EVIL AND ADULTEROUS GENERATION SEEKS FOR A
SIGN
So many of us
are not different from the Scribes and Pharisees seeking signs from Christ as
seen in the gospel of today. The readings draws our attention to intensify our
belief in Christ, which is all he demands from us.
In the first
reading, the prophet Micah states the Lord’s complaint against His people
Israel and their response to God, which is applicable to us. God reminded Israel the signs He has shown
them, how He had been with them all through their journey, he had done nothing
but good and had been repaid with rejection and rebellion. He redeemed
Israel and gave them godly leaders. In response to their rejection and rebellious
attitude, Israel asked, “With what shall I
come before the Lord? With burnt offerings? With ten thousands of rams? Shall I
give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my
soul?” These were questions asked out of bitterness and resentment. The
prophet Micah imagined a courtroom
Israel called out to God and we hear Israel shouting at God from the witness
stand. Israel presents his case to God as if God ask too much, and that all Israel
had mentioned will not be enough to please God. However, all God requires of Israel as He requires of us today is to do
justice, to love kindly and to walk humbly with God.
Christ in the
gospel was criticized by the Scribes and Pharisees because they want a sign
from him over and above all that he has been doing. They want him to do
something more spectacular before they will believe in him. In response to their request, Christ said, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for
sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
By this, He speaks of the sign of his
resurrection. Jonah was indeed a picture of the work of Christ. Jonah gave
his life to appease the wrath of God coming upon others. But death did not hold
him; after three days and nights of imprisonment, he was alive and free. This
is a glorious picture of Christ in an unexpected place. He tells them that, someone
greater than the prophet Jonah in their midst, and someone greater than the
wise king Solomon, who was the Son of David is among them. One of the greatest messianic
title of Christ was “Son of David.” Invariable, Christ was a much greater son
of David than Solomon was. On a lighter note, we can say the Scribes and
Pharisees had eyes but cannot see; ears but cannot hear. Something was lacking.
Belief! They failed to belief in Christ.
Dear friends in
Christ, in looking for the unusual we can miss what is before us. The Lord is
among us today as someone greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon, greater
than all the prophets and wise men of Israel. Unless we belief in him and live
in justice, kindness and humility as required of us, no other sign shall be
given to us. The point is, Christ is the sign we have often failed to
recognize. He is not far; he is present in the person beside you. With the eyes
of faith, you will see him. We pray for God to deepen our faith and belief
through Christ our Lord. Amen! Peace be with you!
Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ
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