I was speaking with a close friend recently who was sharing some current challenges in raising her teenage children. In my listening, I came to hear that a core element of some of this conflict was a difference in perspective between parent and child. To some readers here, this may come as no surprise whether it brings up memories of your teenage years or parenthood, or both. From the anecdotes shared, it seemed her children were searching for validation; a sign to satisfy them, to lend support to their perspective and rightness.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the crowd that the only sign they will be given is the sign of Jonah, which notes tell us refers to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Although this is the ultimate sign Jesus can offer, He foresees this will not satisfy. Similarly, my friend was realizing that all of her love for her children, all of hers and her husband’s sacrifice for them, was going over their heads.

Seeking validation, it seems, may miss the mark. Can we not be the child in this instance, at times? The crowd? Rather than looking outward to confirm our perspective, Jesus asks us, rather, to look inward and repent. Repentance is an exercise in humility. It opens the way for forgiveness of self and others; for empathy. It opens the way for communion. Let this – communion – be our goal and vocation. When achieved, this will be sign enough for all