October 13, 2014

Luke 11:29-32

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 generation...Something greater than Jonah, something greater than Solomon- the Son of Man is here.

This generation...Human tendencies to run away from the freedom we are offered through Christ ends us up in a whale of a mess!  Thankfully, we can have confidence in Jonah's example to appeal to our God of second chances  to get our feet back on dry land and on His path for us. But there is more- there is something greater than Jonah here.

This generation...Even with the example of God's generosity through the gift of wisdom for Solomon, that far exceeds what we can dream of as we reach to "build our capacity", our efforts pale in comparison with the freedom of the wisdom Christ offers us. Yes, something greater than Solomon is here.

This generation...Are we listening to His words of wisdom? Are we listening to His call to repentance and the grace of His mercy? Are we listening to His promise to bless us with the freedom to take us beyond great to greater? 

Prayer

Thank you Father God for sending us your sign, your Son, the Son of Man. Send us your Holy Spirit to help this generation keep our eyes on your Son and your promises of freedom through your great mercy, guidance and wisdom to arise as your example for generations to come.

Amen.