Something greater than Jonah is here

DAILY SPIRITUAL BOUQUET: Gal. 4:22-24.26-27.31-5:1, Lk. 11:29-32. In today's first reading, Paul introduces the famous opposition between the two covenants. He links the resistant Jews to Abraham’s first son Ishmael, son of Hagar, while believers in Christ are linked to Isaac, the true-born son, born of Sarah. In the same way, we are born of the flesh in childbirth and born of the Spirit through grace. Our rebirth through the Spirit is what leads to eternal life. Our “fleshly” aspect is doomed to die; our “spiritual” life is destined for eternal life. For those who live in the Spirit, to do the will of God will be more important than seeking for a sign.

When people came to Jesus looking for a sign in today's Gospel, He said the signs were in plain view if only they could see them. His own message and lifestyle were the sign they needed, to open their hearts to God. The people of Nineveh took Jonah more seriously than His hearers were taking Him, yet Jesus was more powerful sign of God’s presence than Jonah: "Something greater than Jonah is here." The queen of Sheba listened to Solomon more attentively than His hearers did. Jesus teaches us that in looking for the extraordinary, we miss the divine presence in ordinary things. To His people, Jesus seemed ordinary: "Is not this the son of the carpenter?" When He spoke about the Kingdom of God, Jesus did so in simple terms, like the sower going out to sow or the man who was robbed on the road to Jericho, or the weeds that grew among the field of wheat. He said that signs of God’s presence are in the ordinary experience of life, for those who have eyes to see.

May the Lord open our hearts to see the mystery in the ordinary events of life and never depart from the right path! Amen!! Remain safe, have a successful and fulfilled week!!!

Revd Fr Samuel Frederick.