Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
The prophet Jonah initially refused to preach repentance to the great city of Nineveh because it was a powerful enemy that had abused and attacked Israel. He neither wished to put himself at risk in their presence nor desired for them to receive God’s mercy. In Jonah’s eyes, Nineveh could not be redeemed. God, however, showed that his mercy knows no bounds when he relented from punishing them in response to their repentance. The message was clear: even the worst of people can be redeemed if they put their trust in God.
Jesus uses the example of Nineveh to shame the Scribes and Pharisees who do not accept him as the Messiah. As the Son of God, Jesus is far greater than the prophet Jonah, a reluctant servant who tried to run away from God. Jesus has conformed his will to that of the Father and embraced his mission to redeem the Chosen People. These testify to his superiority to Jonah, but the skepticism of these proud leaders testifies to their inferiority to sinful people of Nineveh who fervently repented. May pride not rule our hearts, but let us humbly bow before the Lord who offers mercy and redemption.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections