Something Greater

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32

Summary

To hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. … [to hear] the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here. (Lk 11:31bc, 32b).

There is something greater here. Wisdom and preaching are wonderful gifts and worthy of our attention. But there is something greater here.

Everyone knew Solomon was the wisest of all men and Jonah was the recipient of a great mercy and the miracle of surviving the raging seas. Both are well attested.

Jesus – possessing, being and – having both wisdom and preaching and healing in the marvelous telling of his life in sacred scripture. He, himself, is pointing to something greater for us, yes? An introspection of the self.

Still.

Jesus is indeed the Greater One — but He reveals the greater life we are called to live: a heart contrite and humbled.

Our psalmist brings us the greater Jesus wants us to adopt and put into practice.
A lament, the most famous of the seven Penitential Psalms – Psalm 51.

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn (Ps 51:19b). Mercy, for us and forgiveness for others.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me (Ps 51:3-4).

Reflection

Forgiveness is embedded in all the sacred readings today.

• The Lord desired repentance for Nineveh to prevent their destruction.
• The sailors of the ship desired forgiveness for tossing Jonah into the sea: Then they cried to the LORD: “Please, O LORD, do not let us perish for taking this man’s life; do not charge us with shedding innocent blood, for you, LORD, have accomplished what you desired.” (Jnh 1:14).
• David, having sinned, wrote and tried to live out the psalm in repentance and desire for forgiveness.
• Jesus, speaking to the crowds, recalled The sign of Jonah – the deepest meaning is the imperative of forgiveness. And should I not be concerned over the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot know their right hand from their left (Jnh 4:11).

Personal Reflection

My friends. Forgiveness is hard to do. Jonah wasn’t a jerk. He was a bruised person and angry for revenge. He wanted his justice.

But… there is something greater.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022526.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry