Greater Than Jonah

 

Luke 11: 29-32

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹ As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. ³¹ The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

How often in our prayer do we ask for a "sign", a proof that God hears us or approves us?  It seems like this is a normal course and sometimes God does comply and give us the requested sign. When I was asked to consider going to Rwanda, I prayed for a sign at 3 am and later that morning Fr. Walter Buckius began the Mass for Mission Sunday with the introduction, "We are all called to be missionaries; some of us are called to leave their own countries."  Bong...There was my clear answer, fortified later in the Mass by the hymn, "Be Not Afraid"...I go before you always....Come follow me."  And so I did. The sign was clear and the mission to Rwanda was one of the best things I ever did.  Of course, it was God's plan and "Father knows best." May we not fear to ask for a sign, but let us also be ready to heed it, for indeed it comes from One greater than Jonah!

Bro Rene

Father in Heaven, as he was lifted high on the Cross your son Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate sign of your love. Convert our hearts to rely on you. Deepen our faith, help us to carry our own crosses, so that we may place all our hope in your power to save. Amen.

  Rev. Mr. Andrew Fritz, C.S.C.