Gospel
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,
“This generation is an evil generation;
it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,
except the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Reflection
This Gospel made me reflect on why we seek signs. Is it out of a need for proof or a desire to test God? Are we searching for signs for the wrong reasons, or are we missing the ones that are right in front of us that maybe we just don’t want to see? Jesus says, "Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation". This sign is not always easy to accept. I believe the message here is that the signs we are given will not always be comforting or reassuring. Following Jesus can be difficult, even harsh at times, but we follow Him because He is the way to eternal life. Jesus Himself is the ultimate sign. It may not be the sign we expect or even the one we want, but it is the one we need. And what a profound gift He is...His life, His sacrifice, and His resurrection.
Comments