The story of Jonah being swallowed by a whale for a three-day stay, is a symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus who would be swallowed by death for three days. The preaching of Jonah, which moved the hearts of people to repent, though effective, cannot exceed the measure of repentance and influence that something "greater than Jonah" had brought to our world.
Why is the Church asking me to consider this during the first week of Lent? I think it may be one way of leading me to realize that the Resurrection of Jesus needs to be the backdrop of the whole of my life, especially on those days when hope seems to be diminished or the darkness of personal sin envelops me. The Resurrection remains the backdrop all during Lent and helps me to steer my course amidst my sacrifice, almsgiving and repentance. The Risen Jesus is always with me, even during the 40 days of Lent.
And once Lent is over, and life goes on with the Alleluias of Easter, with the changing of the seasons and with the ebb and flow of my life, Jesus' forgiveness, compassion and understanding, will be the support of all I will ever be, know or do. If I let the Risen Jesus be my core influence and steady guide, I will know the peace that the world cannot take away. Jesus says to me today "There is something greater than Jonah here."
I pray today for the grace to realize the great Gift I have been given through the daily presence and power of the Risen Jesus, guiding, challenging and helping me. I may rely on important people in my life, or put my confidence in this or that friend, but in the end, no one can be Jesus for me.
Why is the Church asking me to consider this during the first week of Lent? I think it may be one way of leading me to realize that the Resurrection of Jesus needs to be the backdrop of the whole of my life, especially on those days when hope seems to be diminished or the darkness of personal sin envelops me. The Resurrection remains the backdrop all during Lent and helps me to steer my course amidst my sacrifice, almsgiving and repentance. The Risen Jesus is always with me, even during the 40 days of Lent.
And once Lent is over, and life goes on with the Alleluias of Easter, with the changing of the seasons and with the ebb and flow of my life, Jesus' forgiveness, compassion and understanding, will be the support of all I will ever be, know or do. If I let the Risen Jesus be my core influence and steady guide, I will know the peace that the world cannot take away. Jesus says to me today "There is something greater than Jonah here."
I pray today for the grace to realize the great Gift I have been given through the daily presence and power of the Risen Jesus, guiding, challenging and helping me. I may rely on important people in my life, or put my confidence in this or that friend, but in the end, no one can be Jesus for me.
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