This generation is an evil generation - Do I belong to this generation

Gospel Thoughts

*Lent : Second Week:Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading - Jon 3:1-10*

*This generation is an evil generation - Do I belong to this generation*

*1) The concept of This generation*

*This generation* is applicable to all the time of History. 

It was not only applicable to those people who were living during the time of Jesus 

Even people those who are living today and also in the future do come under this category. 

If so what type of generation come under evil generation. 

The Gospel of the day gives us clear clue in this regard 

*2) Symptoms of Evil Generation*

*Those who refused to see the reality*

Truth is very evident. In spite of that there were people who refused to see and accept the truth. Such people belong to the evil generation

Jesus was the truth, Jesus was the great reality, Jesus was the great sign. People knew about it. But they didn't accept the truth. So they belong to evil generation

 *Those who are proud*

It is clear that those people who were proud, those people acted as if they knew everything, those people who failed to humble themselves before the great reality - Jesus - belong to this evil generation

*Those who refused to repent*

The people of Nineveh repented from their evil deeds, and they were not called as evil generation but people who repented 

Queen of South was humble enough to acknowledge and accept the great wisdom of King Solomon

But there was greater than prophet Johna and Solomon, but people refused to accept Jesus teaching and to repent from their evil ways. That is why they belong to this evil generation

*Those whose faith only depends on signs*

Those people who came to Jesus were demanding for a sign. 

In fact their faith was depending  only on sign and not on the reality 

So those people who have faith only in signs and not on reality itself belong to this evil generation

*Those who refuse to accept the mercy of God*

The very fact those who refuse to repent and accept their weaknesses refuse the mercy of God or close their life to the mercy of God. Such people belong to this evil generation

*3) The present day concept of evil generation*

The following people belong to this evil generation

Those people who take revenge

Those people who divide and destroy the peaceful atmosphere

Those who promote hatred, injustice, violence, falsehood belong to this evil generation

Those who misuse the power and authority belong to this evil generation

Those who involve themselves in gossip and spoiling the good name of others belong to this evil generation

Those who are greedy for power, money, authority, position belong to this evil generation

Those who try to destroy the truth and promote falsehood belong to this evil  generation

Those who oppress poor and marginalised people belong to this evil generation

Those who mislead the people from truth belong to this evil generation

*4) Do I belong to this evil generation*

If any of the above symptoms are found in my life, then my life belongs to this evil generation

So it is better to check to verify whether these things rule my life or not? 

Lent is a special time for all of us evaluate our own life and to get rid of the symptoms of evil generation. 

*5) Various ways to get rid this evil generation*

The sacrament of reconciliation

The atmosphere of prayer, fasting and almsgiving

Trying to change our own life by repenting our sinful life 

Forgiving one another and trying to live in Harmony and peace 

*Just think about this*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*