“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it.” // Luke 11:29
I had to have major surgery and would need some help afterward. My sister, an attorney, who frequently puts in sixteen-hour days and is one of the most wonderful humans I know, offered to come and help take care of me for a week. She said, “I feel called to help you through this.” And I do not know what we would have done without her.
She arrived a day early to settle in and help me prepare, including attending a beautiful healing Mass with me. After my surgery, in between the hours she worked tirelessly at her job, she helped tend my wounds, she brought me breakfast in bed and ice packs on command, she helped me to shower and change my clothes, and she cleaned and cooked and filled our house with groceries. She walked the dogs and bought my husband’s favorite desserts and libations. She insisted on paying for her own ticket and taxi. The procedure ended up being far more difficult than I had anticipated, and she patiently listened as I wept and complained—a bit of an emotional wreck who was also on pain meds. You can imagine.
We also had time to catch up, to get to know one another again, to pray together each evening, and I hope and pray that her visit was a blessing for her as much as it was for me and my husband.
When I read the Lord’s words today about a wicked generation seeking a sign, I think of my sister. She wasn’t looking for signs, she was a sign—of generosity, patience, compassion, humor, fidelity in hardship. When Jesus warns us so pointedly about seeking signs, I want to check myself and ask, am I foolishly looking for signs to assuage my fickle heart, or am I living so as to be a sign for those around me, that the Lord is living and active and has His hand on my life? Am I a sign to the world that Jesus lives and loves, heals and restores?
Sister, don’t look for signs—be the sign for your generation.
Liz Kelly Stanchina is a jazz singer who met Jesus in late-night adoration. She is the community leader for women’s formation at the Word on Fire Institute and the author of more than a dozen award-winning books, including Jesus Approaches, Love Like a Saint, and the Blessed is She Advent devotional A Thrill of Hope. She holds advanced degrees in creative writing and Catholic studies. She is trained as a spiritual director, leading retreats and speaking around the world with a particular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
Walk With Us this Advent
Get Your Prayerful Planner
