Take His Word For It

Readings for Wednesday March 16, 2011

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32


While still more people gathered in the crowd, 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. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 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." (Lk 11:29-32)

"Take my word for it!" How many times have we heard people say that to us? Many times it is because someone is trying to convince us of something that we are not totally buying. So many a people when unable to prove something they are saying or selling will end with the classic phrase "take my word for it." There probably wouldn't even be such a need for this phrase if people weren't always so skeptical. Often times instead of just words, we want proof. This is essentially a defense mechanism that helps to protect us from being fooled or hurt. In many instances there is nothing wrong with asking for more than someones word and asking them to prove something to you. While this approach may be fine with people, it is not with God.

When it comes to listening to God, we really just need to "take His word for it." We need to not only listen to what He is saying to us, but we also must be willing to believe and follow Him. In the gospel reading today, Jesus knows that the people want a sign, but they will not be given one. Jesus is telling them that they basically just need to listen to Him and take His word for it. This is much easier to do when there is trust. If we do not truly trust in God, then we will not be able to follow Him or believe in His word. If we are truly to not seek a sign, and to believe in His word, then we must be willing to put away our skepticism and disbelief and simply trust in our Heavenly Father.

When it comes to God, we need to listen and just "take His word for it." By doing this, we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank yo for all that you have given us and for all that we are. Thank you for your love and mercy, help us to go out in this world and be loving and merciful ourselves. We pray for all of our priests and religious, that they may find renewed strength in their ministries and that they may stay faithful to their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.