Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

 

The Liturgy presents texts which can help us to convert ourselves. What helps more in conversion are the facts of the history of the People of God. 

 

The sign of Jonah has two different aspects. Jonah was a sign, through his preaching, for the people of Nineveh. Listening to Jonah, the people were converted. In the same way, the preaching of Jesus was a sign for His people, but the people did not show any sign of conversion. The other aspect is that which the Gospel of Matthew affirms: For as Jonah remained in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. When the fish vomited Jonah into the dry land, he went to announce the Word of God to the people of Nineveh. In the same way, after the death and resurrection on the third day, the Good News will be announced to the people of Judah.

 

Jesus recalls the story of the Queen of the South, who came to to learn from the wisdom of Solomon. Twice Jesus affirms: Look, there is something greater than Solomon… much greater than Jonah here .

The Book of Jonah is a parable which criticizes the mentality of those who wanted God only for the Jews. For this reason, Jonah was a sign for the Jews of the time of Jesus and it continues to be for us Christians. Jesus wants for all to be disciples, that is, that they be persons who, like Him, radiate and announce the Good News of the love of God for all peoples.