Monday 14 October 2024

Today is Monday the 14th of October in the 28th week of Ordinary Time.

The Community of Taizé sing Christe Lux Mundi: ‘O Christ, light of the world, whoever follows you will have the light of life.’

Christe, lux mundi,
qui sequitur te,
habebit lumen vitae,
lumen vitae




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 11:29-32

When the crowds were increasing, [Jesus] began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!


Jesus speaks to his audience and to us in challenging prophet mode. How often do we try to tie God down, requiring certainty and proof before trusting in what God’s grace can do in us? Jesus points to the living faith of those outside the ‘club’ of the Church. How do his words challenge you?

The words and actions of Jesus in the Gospels constantly reveal him to us as the God of surprises. Has Jesus ever surprised you out of your comfortable expectations? How did you react to that? What do you want to say to him about that?

As we listen again to the reading, see if any particular words or ideas resonate for you. Do you feel prompted to any particular response or reaction?

If you could talk to Jesus directly about his words in today’s reading, what would you want to say? Take time now to speak to him from your heart or to respond in whatever way is best for you.

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.