This Generation - How to understand this?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

16^th Week – Monday

Gospel –Matthew 12: 38-42

 

This Generation - How to understand this?

1) This Generation – Does it apply to Others

In the context of the Gospel 'This Generation' refers to the Pharisees who came to argue with Jesus.

Is it also possible to apply the concept of 'this generation' to others

The so called this 'Pharisees' also applicable to various kinds of people. These may be some of the examples:

People those who argue with wrong intention belong to 'this generation'

People who doubt the existence of God and His divinity belong to 'this Generation'

People those who fail to see the hand of God in various activities of our lives belong to 'this Generation'

Those who consider themselves as righteous, who think that they know everything, those who are proud, those who misuse their authority, power and ability to trap others belong to 'this generation'

2) No sign will be given to 'this generation'. Why?

They don't deserve it

It does not help them in any way

In reality they are not interested in a sign

Even if the sign is given they will not accept it

‘Sign’ is only a ‘context’ to create an opportunity to get into argument and to prove that the other is wrong and to show that they are unable to know the reality

We must also understand that when the reality itself is present (Jesus) sign has no value

Therefore sign becomes useless. That is why no sign is given to 'this generation'

3) What is this sign stands for us in our context

God’s mercy through Jesus Christ

God’s love through Jesus Christ

Forgiveness through Jesus Christ

Enlightenment through Jesus Christ

Goodwill to know the reality

God experience

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Service, Humility and generosity

These signs are always present in our Context. We need not search or ask for these signs.

Do these signs have any meaning to my life? Do these signs make any difference in my life?

4) Who will be able to recognize the divine signs?

Those who look for signs they will not be given

For a believer everything that happens in life becomes a sign. That brings a great change in life.

“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.” ― Stuart Chase

Those who firmly believe in the power of God, every action of theirs becomes a sign to others to proclaim that God exists and God is very active in humans life.

5) Generation of the Modern times

In computer language now we belong to 10^th generation

This generation is highly influence by the artificial intelligence

This generation also believes that everything is possible in and through science and modern technology

This generation hardly thinks about the God and God’s Divine power and intervention

May be the divine sign may not have any value

The Modern generation is influenced by media, whatsaap, internet, YouTube, may have a strong influence on our belief system

Will Jesus call to those who are really addicted to these thing ‘A Evil Generation’

Do I belong to this generation?

6) To which generation I belong

“This Generation" - generation of the Pharisees?  Or

To the generation where one sees Gods hand in everything that happens in his life and accepts that itself as a great sign from God.

Try to see God in everything that happens in your life. That itself is a great sign in our day to life, which communicates a very powerful message to everyone around us.

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore