Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 16, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Monday of the 28th Week of Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

As Jesus sought to reveal the love of the Father and the way of salvation through his teachings with authority and through his miracles, those who rejected him kept demanding “a sign” from God as to his authority. Jesus renounced their lack of faith and their lack of openness to him. Jesus reminds them of figures in the past who turned to righteousness when confronted with the power and authority of the LORD at work within others (Jonah and Solomon). And yet, when the Son of God is in their midst, working signs of wonder and teaching with authority, they demand a sign.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I test the LORD by demanding “a sign” so I know how to act or that the LORD is present?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere You are here for us. Your light shines upon us, your love flows within us, your grace empowers us. You created us, You gave yourself selflessly upon a cross for our salvation, You bring gifts and fruits to build us up and sustain us through this life. Grant that we may embrace fully your love for us and your desire for us to be beings of loving purpose so that we might understand our own longing for You, for your love, for your presence. Strengthen our resolve to live this life as your daughters and sons, as your disciples, as your living temples. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.