First Reading - Exodus 14:5-18
Gospel - Matthew 12:38-42
In the first reading, the people of Israel find themselves in a terrifying situation. Pharaoh has changed his mind about letting them go and now his army is pursuing them. Trapped between the sea and the soldiers, the Israelites cry out in fear. But Moses stands firm and speaks a word of hope: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” God then commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and promises that He will reveal His glory by defeating the mighty Egyptian army.
This moment is not just about escape—it is about revelation. God shows His power not simply to rescue His people, but to make His name known. The sea, a symbol of chaos and death, becomes the pathway to life. The people are saved not by their own strength, but by God’s mighty hand. And they are called to walk forward, even when the way seems uncertain.
In the Gospel, however, we find a different response to God’s presence. Some scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. They have seen His works, heard His teachings, and still they demand more proof. But Jesus sees through their request. What they want is not a sign to believe, but a reason to avoid faith. He tells them that the only sign they will be given is the “sign of Jonah”—a reference to His own death and resurrection.
Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of the fish, is a symbol of Jesus, who will spend three days in the heart of the earth. The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching. The Queen of the South traveled far to hear Solomon’s wisdom. Yet here, in Jesus, is something greater than both—and still, many refuse to believe.
What a contrast between the two readings. In Exodus, God’s people stand on the edge of a miracle. In Matthew, people stand in front of the miracle-worker Himself—and miss the moment. One group is called to step into the sea in faith; the other is stuck in spiritual blindness, demanding more signs instead of opening their hearts.
Dear friends, we are often like the Israelites—afraid, uncertain, tempted to turn back when life feels overwhelming. And sometimes we are like the Pharisees—resisting God’s call, waiting for a clearer sign when the truth is already before us. But the message today is clear: trust in God’s power, walk forward even when the way is unclear, and open your heart to the One who has already given the greatest sign—His death and resurrection.
We do not need to wait for another sign. Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. In Him, God has parted the sea of sin and death and made a way for us. Let us not harden our hearts. Let us walk forward in faith, and bear witness to His saving power.
May we have the courage to trust, the grace to repent, and the faith to follow wherever the Lord leads.
0 Comments