Sunday, January 22, 2012

Jonah's Dilemma

"Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed." Jon 3:4

Jonah's challenge is both similar and very different from the apostle's. Jonah must walk through Niniveh and remind its citizens that unless they reform, their entire city will be destroyed. In this aspect of his ministry Jonah is a forerunner of the apostles, but Jonah is reluctant to assume his new role. In fact, he hopes he fails. His dislike of the Ninivehites is deep. He does not want them to reform and hopes that God will destroy them.

The apostles, on the other hand, while no doubt having their own prejudices, are not reluctant at all to follow Jesus, even though they do not know the fullness of their mission. Jesus' personality and power draw them like fresh water in the desert. They do not hesitate leaving their boats and their families to follow the one who promises a new reign and a new world order.

There is a bit of Jonah and the apostles in all of us. Because no one can escape hurt, especially broken relationships and friendships, like Jonah, we sometimes harbor and hold onto painful memories that cling to us like an ink stain on a new shirt. We scrub and launder the shirt over and over, but the stain remains. Though we know we have no choice but to find a new shirt, we cling to what seemed so clean and fresh but is now ruined. Unless we change shirts, we will be unable to begin again. 

The apostles, on the other hand,  are willing to put aside everything to follow the Lord. Somehow, though we can be certain that they experienced hurt and loss, they were able to cast aside their nets to follow Jesus. Because the apostles are able to focus on the new life, new horizons Jesus promises, they are able to let go of their  soiled “shirts” and become disciples of the Lord.

Today’s scriptures, while encouraging us to heal and begin again, give us a choice. Live in bitterness like Jonah or cast our nets into the sea of God’s love where Jesus promises us we will catch men and women who are anxious for the peace and security only God can provide. When we submit to God’s path, God will show us the way to fullness of life.

Today, listen for God calling your name

2 comments:

  1. Father Jack:

    You baptized our children and we used to come hear you say mass at Holy Name of Mary. You helped me through some tough times back in the 90s when things were rough with my dad. I have been trying to find you! Our third daughter had a volleyball tournament at CNR last weekend and I asked around for you. Please respond to this post and tell me the best way to contact you. -Kathy C.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathy,

    So good to hear from you. Please call me again. I lost your phone number in my move from Connecticut to NY.

    ReplyDelete

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