Jul 21 – Memorial for St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, religious, doctor
St. Lawrence (1559-1619) joined the Capuchin Friars in 1575. He studied theology, the Bible, French, German, Greek, Spanish, Syriac, and Hebrew. He was an effective and forceful preacher in any of his several languages, founded convents and wrote catechisms.
As the chaplain of the army of the Holy Roman Empire in 1601, he led the army into battle against the Turks carrying only a crucifix, and defeated them. Later, he carried out important and successful diplomatic peace missions. He was the spiritual director of the Bavarian army. St Lawrence was proclaimed Apostolic Doctor of the Church by Pope John XXIII in 1959.
- Patron Saint Index
Exo 14:5-18
Mt 12:38- 42
“There is something greater than Solomon here.”
There are moments in life when we just want clarity. A sign. A green light. A clear ‘Yes’ from God.
After a season of waiting and uncertainty, I’ve found myself asking the same question the Pharisees asked in today’s Gospel: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” They were speaking to Jesus Himself; yet, they still asked for proof. And honestly, I get it. It is hard to keep going when the road ahead feels foggy. When plans stall. When people disappoint. When the vision in your heart does not seem to take root in real life. You start to ask, “Lord, just show me something. Anything.”
But Jesus replies, “No sign will be given… except the sign of Jonah.” What was that sign? Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish — buried, waiting, before being brought to shore to fulfil his mission.
That image speaks volumes. Sometimes the clearest sign from God isn’t in what we see, but in what we live through, especially the waiting, the unknown, the letting go. And Jesus is telling us that the sign has already been given — His death and resurrection. His presence. His Word. That is more than enough.
I am learning (again) that faith does not always mean seeing the next step. It means remembering who walks with me, even in silence. And that holds true for all of us. Whether you are facing a career decision, a family struggle, or a deep desire that has not come to life yet — do not wait for skywriting. The sign of Jonah reminds us that God often works in the dark and hidden places…but, He is working.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Eber)
Prayer: Lord, help us to trust Your presence, even when we cannot see Your plan.
Thanksgiving: Thank You for the quiet ways You guide us, even when we are looking for more obvious signs.
OXYGEN 
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