“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” – Luke 11:29
First Reading | Romans 1:1-7
St. Paul gives the most thorough explanation of his understanding of the Gospel.
We should never tire of hearing the basic truths of our faith as there is always room for further understanding.
Our faith is deepened so we can follow Christ and work for His Kingdom.
St Paul’s intention was to travel to Rome and from there to set out for Spain.
He always looked forward to his next mission.
1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God,
2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh,
4 but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,
6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;
7 to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
R: The Lord has made known his salvation.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R)
2 The Lord has made his salvation known; in the sight of the nations, he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R)
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)
The Queen of the South will sit in judgment over the children of Israel because she acted upon the truth. She sought the wisdom of Solomon, while the children of Israel refuse to listen to the message of the prophets and the preaching of Jesus. The message of our faith is not always easy to follow, nor does it comfort us.
Whatever may be our initial reaction to God’s Word, we must obey and remain faithful to it.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Luke 11:29-32
29 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.
30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.
31At 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.
32 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.”
