MONDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 19, 2021

MASS READINGS:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.

REFLECTION

“An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it"

Who here can see with blinders on? Who can see when their disposition is darkened to facts and they refuse to believe? Though Jesus had performed many miracles, the Scribes and Pharisees, yet, asked for more proof that He was the Messiah.

Why do people not accept the teachings of Jesus? What did they have that was better than what Jesus was offering? The people were not disposed to believe, no matter what. They focused on finding fault.

The Pharisees questioned the blind man, Pilate questioned Jesus, we question Jesus when we don't see the miracle we have been praying for. Judas and Peter were likewise blinded to the true identity of Jesus. Judas by his greed, Peter by his fear. Pride blinded all except Peter. Peter knew Jesus and knew he loved Him. However, it was fear and not contempt that had Peter deny Jesus.

The bigger mission of Jesus was not to convince over and over the people who opposed Him or hated Him. His mission was to bring redemption and salvation for all as the Resurrected Son of God, rising from His grave in three days. He walks with us and takes us by the hand when we are in trouble.

Pray that our vision will not be clouded when we are asked to acknowledge Jesus. Pray that there will be many eyes opened with the Holy Spirit leading all in humility to the Kingdom of God.

God bless you