Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

 

We are in Lent and the Liturgy presents texts which can help us to convert ourselves and to change our life. What helps more in conversion are the facts of the history of the People of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents the episode of Jonah as a mirror in such a way that one can discover God’s call to conversion.

 

Jesus calls the generation evil because continues to ask for signs. But Jesus refuses to present these signs, because if they ask for a sign it is because they do not believe. 

 

The sign of Jonah has two different aspects. The first one is what the text of Luke affirms in today’s Gospel. Jonah was a sign, through his preaching. 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 when he quotes the same episode. When the fish vomited Jonah into the dry land, he went to announce the 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.

 

The Book of Jonah is a parable which criticizes the mentality of those who wanted God only for the Jews. In the story of Jonah, the pagans were converted listening to the preaching of Jonah. 

 

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 and radiate and announce the Good News of the love of God.