"An evil and unfaithful age is eager for a sign! No sign will be given it but that of the prophet Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the bowels of the earth." (Mt. 12:38-39)

It is amazing that someone speaks at a conference or workshop, makes wayward claims against the Church or some speculative "teaching," and instantly the person gains a following. These followers in turn teach the same misguided ideas to others. They take their twisted teaching on the road!

"Be on guard, let no one mislead you. Many will come attempting to impersonate me. ‘I am the Messiah!’ they will claim, and they will deceive many." (Mt.24:4-6)

The Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church) is often widely ignored, or worse, ridiculed by some who claim to be "Catholic."

"False prophets will rise in great numbers to mislead many. The man who holds out to the end is the one who will see salvation." (Mt. 24:11-14)

Jesus made it very clear that the only true sign that we will be given is the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Son of Man. No other sign, twisting of doctrines, neither fancy words nor works will ever take the place of the truth: Jesus Christ as He comes to us in the Gospels presented by our Holy Mother, the Church.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 63: "He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold."

St. Lawrence, d. 1619; Capuchin, linguist, military chaplain, diplomat and minister general; learned scripture scholar, forceful preacher.