Most of us are like Jonah in that we run away from the call of the Lord. Like Jonah, we are also unforgiving. Deep down, we really don't want our enemies to be spared and to receive God's mercy. Unlike Jonah, however, we usually deceive ourselves about our sinful rebellion and unforgiveness. Although Jonah had not revealed his business and nationality to the sailors on the ship, he did openly tell them that he was fleeing from the Lord (Jon 1:8-10). He admitted he was the cause of the violent storm threatening to sink the ship (Jon 1:12). Jonah also was open about his unforgiveness. He told the Lord that he wanted the Ninevites punished and was severely depressed because the Lord had given them mercy (Jon 4:2-3).

We don't know what happened to Jonah. We don't know if he ever repented, but we do know that we have God's grace to repent right now. First, we need to be like Jonah and admit our disobedience and unforgiveness. Second, we must not be like Jonah but like the Ninevites. We must repent.

Go to Confession as soon as possible. Face the Jonah inside you. Repent now.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013

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