Reflection
In our Gospel today, Jesus ridicules the Pharisees, calling them an evil generation because they refuse to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Like the people in Nineveh and the people in the time of King Solomon, the Pharisees are looking for more proof, a “sign,” that Jesus is who he claims to be. But what about the signs they have already missed?
God sent Jonah to the Ninevites as a sign of repentance. Jesus started his ministry echoing the words of his cousin John, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17). The Ninevites listened to Jonah after just one day and repented. The Pharisees, however, refused to listen or believe in the words and deeds of Jesus. They didn’t heed his message of repentance.
Solomon was a sign of the wisdom of God. Many like the queen of the south came from distant lands to hear and learn from the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus preached in towns and villages and even synagogues with a message of love that revealed a far greater wisdom than that of Solomon. Yet, the Pharisees refused to accept his teaching.
Jesus, calling himself the Son of Man, is not replacing Solomon or Jonah. Rather he points to himself as “something greater than” either Jonah or Solomon. Refusing to believe that Jesus is who he says he is will condemn this generation of Pharisees; they will not rise again at the judgment due to their lack of faith.
The strong words of Jesus deliver a strong message to us also. Jesus was the ultimate sign of salvation through belief in his death and resurrection. Do we take seriously our need for redemption in Jesus? Lent is the time to reflect on our lives and raise our awareness to our need for repentance and conversion. Are we willing to face our sins and sinful habits and seek forgiveness and be reconciled with Jesus our Savior? Are we willing to trust in the wisdom of Jesus, and see the world as he does? These are the points for reflection as we continue our Lenten journey. Let’s pray for the courage to more fully surrender our minds and hearts to Jesus this Lent.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection
Where do I still have doubts about the power of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice to have a lasting impact on my daily life? In what areas of my life do I continue to trust in my own “wisdom” and not surrender my will to Jesus?