There is something greater than Jonah here. - Who is that? And why?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 28th Week -Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 11:29-32*

*First Reading - Rom 1:16-25*

*There is something greater than Jonah here. - Who is that? And why?*

*1) Jesus is greater than Jonah*

The Gospel makes a beautiful comparison between Jonah and the Son of Man and, gives a conclusion that Jesus is greater than Jonah 

So we can naturally ask the question, why Jesus is greater than Jonah? 

What makes Jesus greater than Jonah? 

There are some reasons, which we can explain in the Following way

*2) Jonah went unwillingly - Jesus came to this world willingly*

When God called Jonah, for a special mission to the people of Nineveh, he was not willing to go. That is why he takes a ship and tries to go to a different place 

Jesus came to this earth willingly. With full obedience to the Father's will Jesus came to this world. 

*3) Jonah preached only to the people of Nineveh, but Jesus to the entire world*

The preaching of Jonah was directed primarily to the people of Nineveh. He was sent by the Lord to preach to the people of Nineveh. 

But Jesus was not sent to preach only to certain categories of people. 

Jesus was sent to the entire world and for the salvation of all 

*4) Jonah only could preach, but Jesus could not only preach but can save*

The mission of Jonah was tk preach the and convince them to change their life, which he did as commanded by the Lord 

But the Mission of Jesus includes many other aspects. Jesus not only preached but He was the saviour of the people. So the saving work of Jesus makes Jesus as the special person 

*5) Jonah grumbled at the mission, but Jesus prayed for the Mission*

We see a kind of revolt by Jonah in carrying out the mission at different stages. He gets angry, He tries to flee from God, and finally he does the mission which was given to him 

But when it comes to Jesus, there is no grumbling or any other things. But we see Jesus praying for the mission and for the conversion of the people. 

*6) Jonah didn't die, but Jesus died for His people*

Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, after he was thrown in to the sea. As Jonah remained three days inside the belly of the fish, he realised his mistake and  prayed to the Lord for survival  

But when it comes to Jesus, He willingly offered His life on the Cross, and remained three days inside the belly of the earth, lifeless only come to life on the third day 

So Jesus died and rose again for our sake. But Jonah was inside the belly of the fish, for his own fault 

*7) Jonah was in the belly of fish for His survival, Jesus was in the belly do the earth for the living and the dead*

When Jesus was laid on the tomb, He even went into the Netherworlds only to bring people back to new life. 

Jesus remained in the belly of the earth for our salvation. 

Jonah had to remain inside the belly for his survival and also for his conversion

*8) Jonah went away from the Cross, Jesus went towards the Cross*

Jonah tried to go away from the challenge/Cross. He didn't want to accept the challenge in the beginning 

Jesus went to the Cross, embraced it, died on it and made Cross as the symbol of life and Victory

*9) The Approach*

Finally Jonah was angry with the Lord for saving the people of Nineveh. 

Jesus was happy that through His death the entire humanity was saved and was given new life 

For these above reasons Jesus becomes greater than Jonah 

*10) Do I want to become great?*

If yes, first of all accept Jesus as the greatest sign of the Father 

Secondly follow the teachings of Jesus to know the salvific path

Thirdly believe in Jesus and try to  change ones life to see a growth in spiritual life

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*