In today’s Gospel, Jesus condemns the evil generations. His tone is not nice nor good and it is not comfortable to swallow. Even all his authoritative teachings and healing miracles, people hesitated to believe in him because of their lack or faith, their stubborn heart, or their fear for change. How true it is to this generation, not only the grave sins happening all around the world, but also darkness in our daily life. How often do we worry about small things, how often do we stumble into despair even with small accidents, how often do we forget our value as the children of God?

On the flip side, however,  Jesus invites us to the awareness of our blessings -- we have Jesus, Son of Man, who is greater than the sign of Jonah. Ninevites were given the sign of Jonah, the queen of the south was given the wisdom of Solomon, but we are given the Son of Man, who is so intimately came to us as our brother, who sacrificed himself for our salvation, who gave his own mother to us, and who is living in the Eucharist to be one with us.

Lenten season is a good time to turn away from our sins and take more steps toward God. When we please our gracious and merciful God with our thoughts, mind, words, and acts, He does not need any more harsh words to awaken our gratitude.