Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.
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3-1-23 Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
Gospel
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 reading is a common complaint flowing from the heart of Jesus when he would see so often the people that were closest to the temple and closest to the law were distant from him and I mean him as God. So you see the queen of the South, who was the Queen of Sheba and also the Ninevites.
They were outsiders. They didn't have any connection with the temple or with God. Yet they were curious and they were interested in him, and what he was saying to them. So the task is very simple. Don't lose your curiosity for God. Don't fall into the trap of just routine. I always go to mass. I go to the sacraments.
I say my prayers. Those are all important things. But nothing is more important than being open to the beauty of a conversation. That is your right to have with the God who is slowly revealing himself to you.
The Closing Prayer
The Closing Prayer. Father, awaken us to your presence. Let us listen with intense curiosity and wonder as you speak to us. And we ask this In Jesus name, Amen.