Who knows God may relent, forgive and withhold His blazing wrath

Who knows God may relent, forgive and withhold His blazing wrath

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Jonah 3:1-10, Lk. 11:29-32. Today's first reading weaves Jonah's story with allusions from somewhere in Israel’s traditions. The words of the Assyrian king, “Who knows God may relent and forgive and withhold his blazing wrath” are drawn from earlier texts like the penitential prayer in Joel 2:14. With frustration at Israel’s hardness of heart, Jesus in today's Gospel, forewarned the Jews in His time about the impending doom of obstinacy. Why do they, His own people, with such a rich heritage, refuse to reform their ways and respond to God with faith and justice, with prayer and hope?

In today's Gospel, Jesus insists that this generation will not get what they are searching for: a sign. The only sign that will be given is that of Jonah. Yet He speaks of something greater than Jonah, taking the analogy to another level. He speaks of His presence, ministry, passion, death and resurrection by which humanity will be redeemed. Jesus invites us to undertake a religion that focuses not on signs but encounter with the author of our faith. The positive message of Jonah can be summed up in a single phrase: "there is always hope". As long as life lasts we must never lose hope in others or indeed in ourselves. Surely conversions and transformations can take place. How marvellous to see the once pagan city of Nineveh come to believe in God, proclaim a fast, pray for forgiveness, to become a model of goodness for all the rest of us.

May the Lord help us to be open to God’s transforming grace and give us the courage to let ourselves be led by the Holy Spirit! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!

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