Daily Catholic Lectio
Monday, 21 July ‘25
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Monday
Exodus 14:5–18; Matthew 12:38–42
We Need Signs!
In today’s Gospel, some people come to Jesus and say: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” (Matt 12:38) They want proof before they believe. But Jesus, who knows the heart, replies with a deep truth: “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign…” (Matt 12:39)
Jesus knew that those who truly believe do not ask for signs, and those who ask for signs often do not truly believe. Yet, He gives them two powerful signs—the sign of Jonah and the sign of Solomon. He says, “Something greater than Jonah is here,” and “Something greater than Solomon is here.”
Jesus points to Himself as the ultimate sign from God.
1. God Gives Signs of His Power and Presence
In the first reading (Exodus 14:5–18), the Lord shows a powerful sign to the Israelites: He parts the Red Sea. The people of Israel, trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, are led safely across on dry land. God’s words to Moses are timeless: “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to be still.” (Ex 14:14) This is not just a miracle—it’s a sign that God is with His people, that He protects, saves, and leads them.
The Red Sea becomes a sign of freedom, victory, and divine presence. God says, “When I gain glory through Pharaoh, then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”
Signs are not only for unbelievers. They are also reminders for believers, especially when faith is shaken. The parted sea becomes a symbol of trust: “If we remain still in God, He will act.”
2. Jesus is the Sign
In the Gospel, Jesus tells His audience that they don’t need a new sign—they already have the greatest one: Himself. Jonah was a prophet who was three days in the belly of a fish—Jesus would be three days in the tomb and rise again. Solomon was a wise king—Jesus is the wisdom of God made flesh. Those who demanded signs from Jesus did not recognize the sign standing right in front of them.
Even today, we may cry out like them: “Lord, give me a sign!” “Show me that You are with me!” “Prove that You love me!” And Jesus responds: “Look to the Cross. Look to the Eucharist. Look to your neighbour. Look within your heart. I am already with you.”
3. Are We Living Signs?
Pope Francis, in his bull of indiction, Spes non confundit (‘Hope does not disappoint’) announcing Jubilee 2025, reminds us that we are called to become signs of hope … especially to the young people, the elderly, migrants, prisoners, the sick, and the marginalized
But how? When we remain hopeful in our suffering — we become a sign of hope. When we forgive — we become a sign of mercy. When we care for the poor — we become a sign of love.
When we live with joy — we become a sign of resurrection.
4. What is the Sign of a Christian?
People around us are asking us today, “How do I know you are a Christian?” Is it the crucifix we wear? The rosary we carry? The churches we build? All these are beautiful expressions. But they are not enough. The true sign of a Christian is not an object — it is a life. A life that looks like Christ’s. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
Final Reflection
Do we still look for signs from God? Or are we willing to be His signs to others? When we ask, “Lord, give me a sign,” He gently answers, “You be the sign. You be my light in this world.” May we become the signs that our world is waiting to see: Signs of peace in conflict. Signs of faith in doubt. Signs of love in a broken world. Signs that point to Jesus Christ.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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