Wednesday of the First Week in Lent

Today's Mass Readings

Jonah was asked to do something he did not want to do. He schemed hard to get out of it. Running away failed. In a way, he sought death by asking to be thrown off a boat during a violent storm, but that failed, too.

He had been directed by God to go to Nineveh and tell the citizens there to repent of their sins. Jonah must have had pretty strong reasons for not wanting to do that job. But he arrived there and began (half-heartedly?) to walk the streets and preach. Surprisingly, the Ninevites listened and actually repented. Jonah’s efforts were successful! His response: anger and resentment that he had unwillingly come a long distance and God did not annihilate the town.

The Book of Jonah ends with the Lord consoling a pouting prophet.

So what is the Sign of Jonah? Maybe that God does not give up on us despite ourselves.

Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB