Bishop Richard Sklba writes that people usually expect a sign of cooperation from their colleagues at work, a sign of regret from someone who gave offense, even accidentally. Parents expect signs of willingness to share household chores from children according to their age level. Spouses expect signs of respect and affection from each other, at least occasionally. Teachers have a right to expect signs of effort from their students when a new area of study is part of the curriculum. Society expects signs of sorrow when a loved one dies. We all look for a sign of credibility before we commit ourselves to an idea or a project, especially if it requires our time or a financial contribution. So what’s the problem in the Gospel? Why does Jesus become so irritated when pressed by the religious authorities of his day? Why does he call them “evil and unfaithful”? Bishop Robert Barron cites the example of Jonah, who God called to preach conversion to Nineveh, described as an enormously large city. I can’t help but think of Nineveh as one of our large, modern cities, a center of worldly activity and preoccupation. What would its conversion look like? A turning back to God as the only enduring good. After hearing the word of Jonah, the Ninevites “proclaimed a fast, and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.” What is the purpose of these ascetic practices? The practices intend to wean people away from an attachment to worldly pleasures. Repent. Live as though nothing in this world finally matters. And you will be living in the Kingdom of God!