Are We an 'Evil Generation' Too?

~~~ Jonah 3: 1-10 ~~~ Psalm 51 ~~~ Luke 11: 29-32 ~~~

When you begin to enter a google search the computer tries to guess what you might be looking for by offering suggestions for you. It finishes your thought or at least attempts to get into your head. When you type the words from today's gospel, 'this generation is...' here is how google completed my search. '...this generation is...'doomed, stupid, lazy, called, horrible, boring, soft, dumbest, messed up.

Are any of those words how you would choose to complete that phrase? How would you describe our generation? Some of their suggestions have crossed my mind, plus a few others. But in today's reading from Luke the missing word is 'evil'.

Evil, is a much stronger word than most of those offered in my incomplete search. Jesus declared the evil condition of Nineveh before a crowd of people. He goes on to say, '...it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.'

If Jesus came to speak before us today he might be able to give the same sermon. Of course he would tweak it a bit to fit our current society, change a name perhaps, but the message could be the same.

During Lent we can take the time to examine where we have strayed into the realm of sin...evil. We are always tempted by something we already want. Just think about that for a minute. For example if you desire more money you may be tempted to gamble in excess, losing self control, because of your view of money. Whatever your temptations are look closely at their roots therein lies your hope of removing them from your life.

We are blessed today because we not only have the sign of Jonah, but we have Jesus himself. Especially during Lent we have an accentuated sign with the crucifix. The crucifix, while constantly present in our churches, is often draped with purple cloth. This draping draws our attention to the cross. When something changes it gets our attention. It is just the way the human brain is designed to work.

My mother tells the story of how one night dad got up for his usual trip to the bathroom. The room was dark. All of sudden she was awakened by the sound of a crash. Dad had walked into a piece of furniture that mother had moved that day. When things are different they get your attention. Well dad was not too happy with mother's furniture rearranging to say the least.

During this Lent pay attention to this life size sign we have of our salvation, the Crucifix. Take time this Lent to pray the Stations of the Cross. If you pray them alone walking to each station you can really focus on how each one speaks to you.

If you spend time praying with the Crucifix and the Stations of the Cross, your appreciation of Good Friday will come to a deeper realization.

I, for one, do not relish the thought of being referred to as an 'evil generation'.

I want to have a 'steadfast spirit', a 'contrite and humbled heart'.

I want to live the gospel message of mercy and forgiveness.

I want the grace to resist temptation.

Let us pray together for God's compassion to wipe out our offenses,

creating a 'clean heart.'