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.”
The Crowd
1. Evil. The term “evil” originates from an Old English word that means “bad, vicious, or wicked,” and also carried the idea of “transgressing.” Throughout history, it has described anything that strays from the natural or moral order, including wrongdoing or harm. People often bring harm upon themselves through their own choices, sometimes believing they’re only hurting others. Someone who acts with evil intent is also unhappy. Though they could seek their own happiness, they choose to destroy themselves by hurting others instead. Remember: there are individuals in the world who are unhappy and want you to be unhappy too. Don’t let those people remain close to you.
2. Signs. God never leaves you without guidance. He continually provides signs to direct you and warns you about things that might happen in your life. Remain attentive to what goes on around you and to those things that strongly affect you. Today, reflect on the signs God is giving you and on the people who serve as signs from God in your life.
3. Judgment. Sometimes, we want more than just signs—we hope the signs appear exactly as we imagine. So, ask yourself: do you want to follow God’s plan for your life, or are you hoping God will follow your plan so you can live as you wish? The heart of Lent is learning to let go, allowing yourself to surrender to His will.
Don’t forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
