Monday of week 6 in Ordinary Time 

Genesis 4:1-15,​25
Psalm 49(50):1,8,16-17,20-21
Mark 8:11-13

As the Pharisees approached Jesus, they demanded a sign as validation of His authority. Jesus responded to their request by declaring that such a request stemmed from a “wicked generation.” When we consider the context of Christ’s era, it seems that the people had a constrained understanding of His true nature. Their knowledge was predominantly confined to empirical observations, lacking the deeper spiritual insight necessary to recognize Him as the Messiah.

In contrast, our contemporary society grapples with a profound loss of ethical and moral awareness, despite the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, intended to serve as our moral compass until the end of time. While the disciples of Jesus sought a close relationship with Him, today’s followers frequently align themselves with human ideologies, often at the expense of divine principles. If Jesus deemed His contemporaries as wicked, one can only ponder the severity of our current moral state.

In today’s world, religious practices often masquerade as genuine expressions of faith. There’s a proverbial saying that one cannot prevent a pig from excavating dirt, alter a leopard’s spots, or stop a scorpion from stinging. Numerous Christian denominations engage in rallies, revivals, and vigils, yet the underlying issues of truth are often neglected. Despite our regular attendance at places of worship, we frequently exhibit hostility towards one another throughout the year . The pervasive insecurity, rampant terrorism, and kidnappings, alongside widespread political corruption, signal a descent into chaos and a trend toward societal collapse. It is a plea for divine intervention to save humanity from this predicament.

Echoing Christ’s teachings, the singular sign we ought to pursue is the sign of Jonah—a call to repentance and authentic transformation from the heart. True progress hinges upon our willingness to embrace continual introspection and change; only then will there be a shift toward better outcomes. Solely through divine assistance can we hope to reform our hearts and mindsets for the greater good.

In light of this, we must commit to refraining from wrongdoing and actively engaging in virtuous acts. We should distance ourselves from the wicked and those opposed to divine principles. Christ embodies the image of the invisible God; thus, seeking His presence and prioritizing His kingdom will align us with the promise of fulfillment (Matthew 6:33).

May we strive not to be a detriment to our world and our generation, and may we remain sheltered from paths leading to destruction. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho