The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on the concept of Christian freedom and how the Sign of Jonah might be relevant to our journey to fullness of life.
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians is an Allegory on Christian Freedom.
* [4:21–31] Paul supports his appeal for the gospel (Gal 4:9; 1:6–9; 2:16; 3:2) by a further argument from scripture (cf. Gal 3:6–18). It involves the relationship of Abraham (Gal 3:6–16) to his wife, Sarah, the freeborn woman, and to Hagar, the slave woman, and the contrast between the sons born to each, Isaac, child of promise, and Ishmael, son of Hagar (Gn 16; 21). Only through Isaac is the promise of God preserved. This allegory (Gal 4:24), with its equation of the Sinai covenant and Mosaic law with slavery and of the promise of God with freedom, Paul uses only in light of previous arguments. His quotation of Gn 21:10 at Gal 4:30 suggests on a scriptural basis that the Galatians should expel those who are troubling them (Gal 1:7). (Galatians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 113 praises God the Helper of the Needy
* [Psalm 113] A hymn exhorting the congregation to praise God’s name, i.e., the way in which God is present in the world; the name is mentioned three times in Ps 113:1–3. The divine name is especially honored in the Temple (Ps 113:1) but its recognition is not limited by time (Ps 113:2) and space (Ps 113:3), for God is everywhere active (Ps 113:4–5) especially in rescuing the lowly faithful (Ps 113:7–9). (Psalms, PSALM 113 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cites The Sign of Jonah.
* [11:29–32] The “sign of Jonah” in Luke is the preaching of the need for repentance by a prophet who comes from afar. Cf. Mt 12:38–42 (and see notes there) where the “sign of Jonah” is interpreted by Jesus as his death and resurrection. (Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)
Vivian Amu comments that the first reading invites us to discern our path in life by not just what stirs our hearts, but by taking stock of what enslaves us versus what sets us free to be our true selves. When we arrive at a vocation crossroad, which happens several times in our lifespan, we are often of two mindsets, and we find ourselves searching for signs that we are on the right path.
We do not need proof or a sign to take a particular path in life when we have faith in God's timing, even when we do not fully understand our purpose. We do not need proof or a sign if we show up in prayer without agendas and ultimatums. We do not need proof or a sign from God if we spend time listening to God, especially when God shows up in surprising ways. We do not need proof or a sign if we trust that our destinies are much grander than we know and that our best days are always in front of us. We do not need proof or a sign when we acknowledge that we all have a shared vocation of love; therefore, we are halfway up the road of discernment already. It might take a long time to come to fruition but believe that God will never stir us the wrong way. That is God’s promise of assurance and hope.
Loving God, your love and promise have set us free. We are no longer enslaved by our fears. (Amu, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The sign of Jonah,” by an anonymous early author from the Greek church.
"'What is the sign of Jonah? The stumbling block of the cross. So it is not the disputers of knowledge who will be saved but those who believe true teaching. For the cross of Christ is indeed a stumbling block to those who dispute knowledge but salvation to those who believe. Paul testifies to this: 'But we, for our part, preach the crucified Christ - to the Jews indeed a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Why do the Jews seek signs and the Greeks seek wisdom? God pointed to the sign of the stumbling block of the cross to both the Jews and the Greeks. Thus those who wish to find Christ not through faith but through wisdom will perish on the stumbling block of foolishness. Those who wish to know the Son of God not through faith but through a demonstration of signs will remain trapped in their disbelief, falling on the stumbling block of his death. It is no small wonder that the Jews, considering the death of Christ, thought he was merely a man, when even Christians - as they purport to be but really are not - because of his death are reluctant to declare the only begotten, the crucified, as incomparable majesty." (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 30, the Greek fathers). (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 11:29-32 comments that before we start judging this “evil generation” (Luke 11:29), it’s helpful to remember that Jesus’ words are meant for every generation, including our own! His teachings still apply; his miracles still abound; and now that he is risen, his presence is with us even more powerfully. Still, despite these signs, many choose not to believe in him. They’re still asking for more signs. Or to be more accurate, there are times that even we ask for more, despite all that we have already seen and experienced!
The problem with asking for signs is that we tend to want them on our own terms. But the signs that God wants to give are all around. They’re right in front of you every day: his presence in you, his mercy over you, and his Spirit guiding you. He’s inviting you to make these signs the foundation of your faith in him. Just as he did for the people of his generation, Jesus wants you to trust in him based on all that you have already received.
Know that Jesus himself, risen in glory, is God’s greatest and final sign. Believe in him. Lean on him. And praise him for his faithfulness and mercy.
“Jesus, open my eyes so I can see all the signs of your presence and your love!” (Meditation on Luke 11:29-32, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes the use of midrash to bring new meaning to the Scripture passages about Sarah and Hagar and the children of the Promise and the children of the slave girl. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cites the conversion of Nineveh by Jonah as a sign of His Mission. Friar Jude reminds us that outsiders and pagans were the most ready to listen to Jesus and accept repentance.
The CAC Daily Meditations by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, were not available at publication time.
We seek the guidance of the Spirit to reconcile our contradictory attitudes to the concepts of freedom and repentance.
References
Amu, V. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101424.html
Galatians, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/4?22
Luke, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/11?29
Meditation on Luke 11:29-32. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/10/14/1104512/
Psalms, PSALM 113 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/113?1
Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Is an Evil Generation; It Seeks a Sign. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=oct14
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