Day Seven of Lent: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent – Luke 11

Day Seven of Lent: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent – Luke 11

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” – Luke 11:29.

Today’s Lenten Reflection

The words from Jesus in today’s Gospel may seem harsh to some but there does exist a strong root of hope in them. The sign of Jonah being in the belly of a whale for three days prefigured Jesus’ resurrection after three days, the conquering of sin and death – certainly a worthy sign for celebration.

But Christ’s message had to contain some sort of bite to it; after all, it had to send a clear message to an “evil generation.” This generation, according to Jesus, was not only evil but prideful, demanding signs of proof of God while simultaneously rejecting Him, the faith, and Truth.

Much like in Jesus’ time, that same evil surrounds us today. People still demand proof of God’s existence and to see miracles, all while rejecting faith and truth. The irony is that, out of God’s love for man, we are given plenty of proof through His Word in Holy Scripture, two-thousand years of preserved Tradition, and a teaching magisterium of a universal Church. But a prideful generation still demands more.

On this day of Lent, the question we must ask ourselves is do we believe? Or are we like the rest of today’s generation demanding signs from God in our disbelief. Instead of demanding signs from Heaven, let us seek more humbly and more often the face of God through prayer, the Church, her sacraments, other Christians, the Saints and, during lent especially, penance and sacrifice.

If we really want to see the miraculous hand of God at work in our lives, we must grow in faith by humbling ourselves before Him and giving more of ourselves to Him. Think about what Jesus said to “doubting Thomas” when he (Thomas) could not allow himself to believe until he felt the holes of Christ’s resurrected hands: “Jesus said to [Thomas], ‘Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29).

Day 7 Lenten Meditation

Looking back to the time of Jonah, we realize that this world has always consisted of good and evil. But through faith, we become the good and shining light needed in this world. Yes, you can be the change that you wish to see. And, according to Jesus, all you need is faith the size of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6). Spend some time in prayer today asking God to increase your faith and to release you from the need of receiving more proof. When you pray like this, the Good Lord will not only answer your prayer, He will fill your soul with a supernatural courage, faith, and hope for the future. And these are the best “signs” from Heaven that we could receive.

Lenten Prayer

Merciful God, we thank You for Your generosity, patience, and compassion. We promise to do our part, to grow in faith through prayer and to seek more of You and less of what the world is offering. We pray to be bright forces of light in this darkened world through our growing faith in You. Please continue to be our Source of strength and comfort as we push ahead and strive for heavenly and pious things in our lives. In our efforts, Lord, we humbly ask that You use all our fears and failures for Your greater glory. We pray this all in Your good and holy Name, Amen.

Today’s suggested Penance

Sacrifice some ordinary comfort or convenience today for the glory of God.

“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change; faith achieves everything” –Saint Teresa of Avila.

See Also
40 Days of Lenten Meditation and Prayer
What is Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras Tuesday?
The History and Meaning of Ash Wednesday
Saint Padre Pio’s Miracle Prayer: Secret Weapon
Most Powerful Psalm of Protection: Psalm 91
10 Best Psalms of Praise and Thanksgiving
19 Best Psalms for Healing
7 Powerful Psalms for a Financial Breakthrough
10 Best Bible Verses for God To Do The Impossible
28 Best Bible Verses for Answered Prayer
Powerful Prayer for a Miracle
The Warriors Prayer: Putting on the Armor of God
3 Powerful Psalms for Forgiveness
19 Most Powerful Psalms for Healing
18 Best Bible Verses for Financial Prosperity

What was the sign of Jonah?

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus makes a reference to Jonah when He is asked for a sign by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus says that the sign will be the “sign of Jonah.” In other words, Jonah’s restoration after three days inside the great fish prefigured Jesus’ own resurrection from the grave.