What was the Sign of Jonah

Gospel Thoughts

28th Week : Monday

GOSPEL Luke 11:29-32

First Reading - Gal 4:22-24,26-27,31- 5:1

What was the Sign of Jonah

*Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation*

*1) The Sign of Three days and Three nights*

For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matt 12:40).

In this image, Jonah’s descent into the belly of the whale is a sign of the Lord’s descent to Sheol. In the Creed we say *He descended into Hell* which resembles the sign of Jonah.

*2) The Sign of Repent or die*

Jonah had gone to the Ninevites with this message: Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed (Jonah 3:3). In response, the Ninevites repented, fasted, and prayed.

Seeing their actions, God relented and did not destroy them.

Just as the Ninevites heard Jonah’s warning, put faith in it, and were spared, so the people of Jesus’ time should put faith in His warning to repent and believe the Good News. If they do not, they will meet with great disaster.

*3) The Sign of Conversion*

At Jonahs warning the pagan people (Ninivites) changed their immoral ways of life, did public penance and they changed their life. God was pleased with their conversion. 

But Israel failed to change their life, therefore they were punished under Assyrians.

The same thing happens in Jesus time. 

At the warming of Jesus only the Gentiles, tax collectors and sinners changed their life. Whereas the so called chosen people, Jewish people would not change their life. So God takes the Kingdom of God from them and gives to the Gentiles. This is another great sign. 

*3) The Sign of Handing over*

During the time of Jonah Israelites were handed over to Assyrians for amending their way of life. 

During the time of Jesus the Kingdom of God was taken away from chosen people and was given to the poor, sinners, tax collectors 

This is the another Sign we see.

*4) Jesus is the Greatest Sign*

All the above mention signs which are found in the life of Prophet Jonah are very much reflected in Jesus. 

The Gospel says *there is something greater than Jonah here*

Because

Jonah inspired people of Nineveh to repent. Jesus not only inspired them to repent but also gave the salvation

Jonha died After  coming out of the belly of the Fish ( After some years) Jesus lives for eternity after the resurrection

Jonah initially  grumbled and was diffident in his mission. But Jesus was confident in his mission and approach 

Jonah as a sign was limited only to Nineveh. But Jesus is a sign to the entire world

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*