29When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nin'eveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation. 31The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
In this reading Jesus is critical of people who ignore what he has already shown and continue to seek proof of who he is. The underlying message for me is the importance of submitting to a higher power - one that presents an ideal of life that calls me to act in a way that is “better” than the behaviors spawned by my instincts, feelings aand emotions. In Richard Rhor speak, it is a call to die to oneself and experience a resurrection inspired by the divine. And it is ridiculous for me to keep asking “what does that submission look like? What do i need to change or to do?” Loving God, channel my love and gratitude for my life towards grant me pursuing prudence over pride; fortitude over anger; faith over lust; hope over envy; charity over sloth; temperance over gluttony; and justice over averice. Amen.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Luke 11:29-32 is insightful and deeply rooted in a desire for spiritual transformation. You capture the essence of Jesus' criticism toward those who seek constant proof rather than trusting in what He has already revealed. This relates well to your reflection on submission to a higher power—acknowledging that true discipleship requires a letting go of our ego-driven desires and impulses to live in alignment with divine values.
DeleteI really appreciate your connection to Richard Rohr's idea of "dying to oneself" and experiencing a resurrection that comes through embracing the divine. This mirrors Jesus’ call for repentance and change, not just through external behaviors but by undergoing a deep inner transformation that aligns our lives with God's purpose.
Your prayer beautifully brings this reflection into focus, highlighting the classic seven virtues as antidotes to the vices that often stem from human instincts and emotions. In asking for prudence, fortitude, faith, hope, charity, temperance, and justice, you're recognizing the profound need for these virtues to guide your actions, reflecting a desire to live in a way that transcends the limitations of self.
I agree with your framing, especially the idea that it’s not necessary to constantly ask, "What does submission look like?"—the process of living a life rooted in faith, virtue, and divine love naturally reveals that answer. By striving to align with these virtues, you are already embracing the resurrection-inspired life Jesus calls us to.
Amen to your beautiful prayer!