What Am I Looking For?

 

 Luke 11: 29-32

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹ As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. ³¹ The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

This short  passage offers a huge challenge to us now as it did to the people in the time of Jesus. Universally and in every generation we fail to focus on the obvious, and look for the extraordinary, the famous "sign" that will convince us once and for all. We fail to see the obvious sign as people saw Jonas and heeded his word, or the queen of Sheba who traveled from the South to hear the wisdom of Solomon. For us, it is Jesus, who far surpasses them but is yet ignored by so many, including ourselves.  How much time do we spend "surfing" those enticing stories on the internet?  They go on for pages, and hook us day after day.  What am I looking for?  Wouldn't it be better to supplant that wasted time with a more fruitful quiet and prayerful time with the Word of God,  with Jesus?

 Bro. Rene

 Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C.

Father of mercy and forgiveness, you are patient with our obstinate hearts. Stir us to be receptive to your Word, Jesus Christ, just as the Queen of Sheba sought the wisdom of Solomon and the Ninevites responded to the prophetic words of Jonah. May we hear your Word and keep it. Amen.