Mercy greater than can be imagined

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today contrast human sense of justice with Divine mercy and forgiveness. The discussion between God and Jonah after God decides not to destroy Nineveh reveals our desire to receive "proper" disposition of our efforts. When we pursue justice and uphold the law we expect that our efforts will result in the punishment of the guilty and as a result some justification for our efforts. We may accept and applaud the "mercy" which we might choose to extend but shouldn't God be on our wavelength when we are working for Him? The plea of the psalmist expresses the deep revelation that we are truly ones in need of mercy and forgiveness as we come to know how we remain slaves of our addictions and self centered lives. The Gospel of Luke brings us to a method to engage in intimate conversation with the Divine through simple recognition of the Almighty Transcendent One who is love, mercy and forgiveness. Out of this understanding that our daily life is saved from the pit by this intimate attention comes our desire to be part of the presentation of this love to others. The linking of our growth in intimacy with the Divine to the growth of our love and forgiveness to others is the lesson that Jonah appears reluctant to be open to hear in the text today. Let's not be Jonahs!