"...at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here."
Luke 11:32
The scribes and Pharisees were stuck in their way of thinking and nothing that Jesus said or did would change it. Even when Jesus performed one miraculous healing after another, they still asked for a "sign" to convince them that He was truly the Messiah, the anointed one of God. But Jesus refused to give in to their request, knowing that these religious leaders had no intention of getting "unstuck" from their old beliefs.
While we might look down on the scribes and Pharisees for this reason, we need to take an honest look at ourselves. Have we become mired in some thought patterns, such as being overly critical of ourselves or others? Are we bound to some biases against certain individuals or ethnic groups? Are we stuck in resentment toward someone who hurt us in the past?
Today and every day, Jesus calls each one of us to "repent," a word that simply means changing the way we think of things. By allowing Jesus to help us get "unstuck," we can begin to see ourselves and others just a bit more kindly.
From what thoughts or behaviors do I need to become "unstuck"?
Lord Jesus, I believe with all my heart that You can set me free!
Reflection by:
Deacon Rick Wells
Did you know...
Deacon Rick Wells was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1997. A former Methodist, he was received into the Catholic faith in 1988.? He currently works as Chancellor for the Diocese and serves at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clearwater.? Deacon Rick and his wife Barbara have been happily married for 31 years.
