Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

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

 

Gospel Reading: 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.”

 

So what was the sign of Jonah? Jonah was a profit who lead the Ninevites to do penance for their sins. His actions and preaching to the Ninevites were seen as a sign that he was sent by God. The Ninevites were in trouble with God because of their sinful ways; however, Jonah so moved the people of Nineveh that they changed their evil ways.  This was the same message that Jesus brought to the Jews to free them from the bondages that tie them to this world and separate from heaven.  He came to free them from their sins.  He forgave them and set them free.  What greater message could there be.  This same message is still true today. Jesus came to free us from the slavery of sins and to free us from the burdens of evil. His divine mercy was poured out for us for our own salvation. Jesus Christ is present in our lives today and is preaching a message of repentance and grace. He is preaching a message of salvation through him.  So how do we respond to that message?  The people of Israel wanted signs through his miraculous physical healings, but the sign he wanted them witness was through his spiritual healing.  Do you seek physical signs or do you seek him out for his spiritual comfort?  We are called to examine our conscience and to seek out mercy for those sins which darken our soul. We are called to actively seek forgiveness for our sins and mercy for those around us. God has mercy on us no matter what sin we commit; we just need to be repentant and seek his spiritual healing. “This generation is an evil generation; it should seek the sign that Jonah brought to the Ninevites.” We should open up our souls and shed the things that keep us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven. When we open ourselves up to the judgment of Christ, we remove the burdens that weigh us down.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord God, help me to recognize my sinful ways.

Help me to free myself from the bonds of Satan

It is through your mercy and goodness that I am set free.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon