Saint Bruno, Priest (Optional Memorial)
God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath. (Jonah 3:9)
Wow! It took Jonah only one day to bring the entire city of Nineveh to its knees in repentance. And he had only one message: “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed” (Jonah 3:4). Just that one vague threat of total destruction—from a reluctant prophet, no less—turned the entire city around. Imagine the scene as everyone in the land put on sackcloth and sat in ashes as they cried out words of repentance. And it wasn’t just the people. They also clad their livestock in rags and made the cattle cry out (perhaps by braying?) to God for forgiveness.
If we look at this story with a realist’s eyes, we can see that the Book of Jonah most likely falls into the category of a fable more than an accurate historical account. With its fantastical fishes, its hapless and moody hero, and its comedic touch (a ravenous worm that devours a shade tree overnight—Jonah 4:6-8), the book relies on exaggeration to make its point.
So what is that point? As the next chapter spells out, it’s that God is far more compassionate and caring than we can imagine. Again and again in this book, we see him pardoning, teaching, cajoling, even playing practical jokes on people in the hopes that they will turn away from sin and embrace his commands.
Despite the Ninevites’ over-the-top fear of the “blazing wrath” of God, even despite Jonah’s threat of the city’s total collapse, God shows himself to be “gracious and merciful … slow to anger, abounding in kindness, repenting of punishment” (Jonah 3:9; 4:2). He is playful, not peevish; merciful, not maniacal; kind, not cranky. He is a good God who wants to see everyone—even pagans—healed, whole, and happy.
In two months, Pope Francis will open a Holy Year of Mercy. For an entire year, he will call us to rediscover how merciful, kind, loving, and gracious our heavenly Father is. As we approach this special year of grace, keep the story of Jonah in mind. Remember that God is always ready to forgive. He is always ready to welcome you into his warm embrace. He loves you!
“Father, I am overwhelmed by your mercy. Help me to receive your love today so that my life can be a witness to your goodness and kindness.”
Psalm 130:1-4, 7-8
Luke 10:38-42
Daily Marriage Tip for October 6, 2015:
Do you know the names of the people on your street? Who is home when? The more you know your neighbors, the better they can be extra eyes, ears, and a helpful hand to your children. Be those eyes for your neighbors’ children too.