From the responsorial psalm: “Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (11:29-32, today’s readings)
“At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
As Jesus speaks to the crowd, he tells them that his generation is evil, seeking a sign, but no sign will be given to it. He refers to Solomon from the Old Testament. The Queen of the South, Sheba, had heard of the wisdom of Solomon and traveled far to seek out his wisdom and understanding. In contrast to her thirst for the truth, the people of Jesus’ time demonstrate lack of faith and fail to recognize the author of wisdom present in him. In the time of Jonah, the king of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes, decreeing that all throughout Nineveh should fast from food and water. Jesus makes the same call for repentance, giving all who hear him to return to him with their whole heart.
“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” In the psalms, I see a refrain for me to take to heart and commit to throughout the day. “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” The Gospel acclamation answers who it is I return to. “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.” Give me the grace, Lord, to see “something greater than Solomon here” in the living presence of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.