REFLECTIONS
REFLECTION ON LK 11:28-32 – THE SIGN OF JONAH
October 12, 2020
Since the time the Israelites were under the dominion of the Romans, they hold unto the promise of a Messiah, who would liberate them from the tyranny of the Roman Empire. No wonder when Jesus shows extra-ordinary works, they asked further for a sign to confirm his identity. Jesus knew their thoughts and firmly resolved not to concede to their clamor as stated in the passage, ’ This is an evil generation. it seeks a sign but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, so will be the Son of Man be a sign for the present age”.
He claimed his supremacy over Jonah and Solomon as indicated in these verses, “The queen of the south came from the farthest corner of the world to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, but you have a greater than Solomon here. At the judgement, the citizen of Nineveh will rise along with the present generation, and they will condemn it, for, at the preaching of Jonah, they reformed, but you have greater than Jonah here.”
Consequently, in these gospel texts, Jesus is inviting the Israelites to REPENTANCE and to LISTEN and ADHERE to him. The SIGN he was referring to them is his RESURRECTION after three days at the hearth of the earth and the WISDOM far greater than Solomon because HE himself is the WISDOM OF GOD incarnate.
I recall a significant experience in my faith journey. I had my formation in Frascate, Italy as a Novice. One summer, we, Novices, were sent to San Benedetto in Calabria (Southern part of Italy), a house by the sea for vacation, and at the same time assist in the summer apostolate of the house that hosted summer activities for the children of Alitalia employees. I was in a deep crisis at that time and wavered in my vocation to religious life. The desperation was so great that even in dreams it haunted me. In my anguish, during Adoration of the Eucharistic JESUS, I asked God for a specific sign” A white flower” would mean God is affirming my vocation. I did not go out of the chapel with my co-Novices at the entrance as I usually do, but instead, went by the right-side door overlooking the sea. I saw from a distance, a child running fast toward me holding out a bunch of white flowers exclaiming in a loud voice” Suora facciamo una danza dei fiori.”, translated as “Sister let us do the flower dance”. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I tightly embraced the child for undoubtedly, he is an angel sent by God to console me. That event had a lasting effect since God communicated eloquently so that I could understand his message of CONVERSION OF HEART.’ Since then, I am not asking any more for a sign because I have grown my FAITH IN HIM who strengthens me to see the evident signs of every day.
