Wednesday of the First Week

Reflection

Statistically speaking, it's safe to say none of us will be spewed up by a fish in whose belly we've just spent the last three days.

 

Jonah didn’t run because he didn’t believe in God; he ran because he did.  We can often choose to ignore God's voice. Until we can't. Until we realize there’s nothing left that will work except to pray.

 

But this is the next chapter. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time. Now Jonah is ready to listen. When he preaches to the people of Ninevah, this “enormously large city,” the emphasis is on how quickly the people of Ninevah repent. He’s barely begun his journey and everyone, “all of them, great and small,” reach for their new outfit: sackcloth. Oh, he must have thought. That was easy.

 

I can be a baby and complain that things are, or would be, too hard. I can run and hide and try to escape. How many times have I waited to do or say the thing I know I should? And how many times have I caused myself, or those I love, great suffering because of it? We can run and hide, true. Jonah did. But we find storms and a not so cozy place of darkness where we are swallowed up. Make it easy on yourself. Do the right thing the first time. Avoid the huge fish option.

 

Jesus reminds His audience of those who listened. You can’t plan that the word will come a second time. Look, He says, you’ve had the signs. You’ve heard God’s voice. Now grab your sackcloth.

 

Prayer

Jesus, humble our hearts. Take away our selfishness and pride.  Give us the wisdom and grace to hear Your voice and respond.

 

TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community

 

 

Scripture
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website