“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.”

Luke 11:29

Luke 11:29-32

Reflection

Jesus’ message today continues his harsh criticism of the people for failing to listen, repent, and follow him. He tells them that even the Ninevites, who had the lousy prophet Jonah, repented of their evil ways. But with Jesus, the Son of God, before them, the people still won’t listen.

Jesus condemns his generation because they seek ‘proof’ or a sign that he’s God. The sign will obviously be his resurrection, but the fact that they don’t believe beforehand, even with his various miracles, is astonishing and is one reason why Jesus condemns them. Today, we do know that Jesus is God, and yet so many times we, too, refuse to listen and repent. This harsh message may be uncomfortable, but when we have the fullness of truth revealed through Christ and the Church, choosing to ignore or deny parts of it will result in dire consequences.

Jesus is a kind and loving God – the Trinity is Love itself. He gives us this message in such absolute terms precisely because he loves us and does not want us to turn a deaf ear or blind eye to him. When the literal Son of God is revealed to us, especially in the Eucharist, how can we not listen, repent, and follow him?

Ask Jesus for the grace to open your heart to him intellectually and spiritually. Ask him for a better ability to repent of your sins and hardness of heart. Jesus wants you to follow him – let him show you the way.

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Saint of the Day

St. Callistus I (Pope): 2nd Century AD – AD 222

St. Callistus I, pray for us!