Gospel: 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.
Reflection:
The gospel reading for today speaks about Jesus
comparing the old generation (BC) with the present one (AD). People nowadays
when making decisions look for signs, read horoscopes, ask fortune tellers and
even follow superstitious beliefs. Above all these practices, we should have a
deeper faith in God, knowing that his ways and revelations have a clear meaning
with a great purpose behind for all. Following and believing this practices is
okay but we should be aware that they can oftentimes mislead us to different
paths that may affect God’s plan for us.
What is the sign of Jonah? It means that the time has
come to repent. God has sent Jonah to lead the people to change their ways. Jonah
was disobedient at first by trying to avoid doing what God wants him to do but
after experiencing a heavy storm, being thrown overboard and being swallowed by
a whale, he was sent off to Nineveh to bring God’s salvation to many and in
turn fulfil God’s great plan for everyone.
The sign of Jonah happened again after many years
passed and here comes Jesus being sent by God to redeem the people. That time
they still believed in signs which was very hard for him to evangelize them.
The people were also close-minded that they refuse to listen to the word of God
despite the miracles that Jesus performed. As Jonah stayed in the whale for
three days, Jesus died and rose from the dead after 3 days for the sake of our
sins.
Jonah’s and Jesus’ time have passed and the mission is
being handed over on to you and me. Currently, I am blessed to be able to
handle a new household which I did not expect and it came as a blessing in
disguise. I asked God why but then I was assured that “I was called” and my SFC
sister also affirmed that I was anointed. I accepted the task even if I don’t
know what to do or how but the grace of the Lord keeps me going despite the
difficulties I am also experiencing. I always remind myself that the task of
leading a household is difficult but in the end, the fruit is sweet.
It has only been more than a month yet God has made me
feel so loved and blessed beyond measure. Slowly he is changing me, he is
allowing me to conquer my fears and he pushes me to strive to be the best I can
be. God is also giving me the best of what He thinks I deserve and despite my
unworthiness, he assures me that I still deserve it. I have a long way to go
and I pray that may God’s will always be done in my life. The Lord’s love,
mercy and grace for me never fails even if I fail always. I know the task won’t
be easy but I am assured that everything is all worth it and my God will reward
me eternally in Heaven.
I am Sarah Lauren Lim, a beloved child and I am called
by God for a greater purpose!
And for this, may God be praised!
