GREATER THAN JONAH

“You have a greater than Jonah here.” –Luke 11:32

Mass Readings: February 21
First: Jonah 3:1-10;Resp: Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,18-19;Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Listen to the Mass Readings

Jonah was a reluctant, begrudging prophet. He did not want to obey the Lord. Yet he didn’t want to be in the belly of a whale either.

However, the wicked Ninevites did not repent with begrudging, complaining reluctance. Incredibly, “they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth” (Jon 3:5). They had sinned with abandon, and they repented with much greater abandon.

The queen of the south “came from the farthest corner of the world to listen to the wisdom of Solomon” (Lk 11:31). She spared no cost to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

Christianity is not for the lukewarm, half-hearted Jonahs. Rather, Christianity is for the zealous, whole-hearted, radically “violent” who take God’s kingdom by force (see Mt 11:12). Christianity is not for those who lock themselves up in the death-row prison of minimalism, for the letter of the law kills (2 Cor 3:6). Rather, Christianity is for those who do the law and in the Spirit go beyond the law to the abundant life (2 Cor 3:6; Jn 10:10).

Therefore, go to other daily Masses in addition to Sundays. Go to Confession frequently. Fast daily during Lent and frequently throughout the year. Go beyond tithing to almsgiving. Pray with others frequently. Change your lifestyle for Jesus. Tell others about Jesus, even if you may be persecuted. Live for Jesus in radical love and freedom.

PRAYER: Jesus, light a fire on this earth (Lk 12:49), and let that fire begin in my heart.
PROMISE: “Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.” —Ps 51:3-4
PRAISE: St. Peter Damian’s teachings guided the Church a thousand years ago and still persevere today.