"no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah," ~Luke 11:29
As we begin our journey of Lent, we are invited to reflect on our need for repentance and conversion. Jesus warns us that this generation is an evil generation that seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. What does this mean? Jonah was a prophet sent by God to preach repentance to the wicked city of Nineveh. But Jonah tried to run away from his mission and boarded a ship that was caught in a storm. He was thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish, where he spent three days and three nights praying to God for mercy. Then he was vomited out by the fish and went to Nineveh, where he proclaimed God's message, and the people repented. Jesus says Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites because his experience foreshadowed Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus also spent three days and three nights in the heart of the earth before rising from the dead. He is the ultimate sign of God's love and power, calling us to repentance and faith. But Jesus also says there are two examples of people who will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it: the Queen of Sheba and the people of Nineveh. The Queen of Sheba came from a faraway land to hear Solomon's wisdom, while many people rejected Jesus' wisdom even though he was greater than Solomon. The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching, while many people refused to repent at Jesus' preaching even though he was greater than Jonah. These examples challenge us to examine our response to Jesus' words and deeds. Do we seek signs from him instead of trusting him? Do we listen to his wisdom or ignore it? Do we repent of our sins or persist in them? Do we believe in his resurrection or doubt it? Lent is a time for us to turn back to God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. It is a time for us to embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, who died for us and rose again. It is a time for us to follow him more closely and live according to His will. Lord Jesus,
you are the sign of Jonah,
the sign of your death and resurrection
that calls us to repentance and faith.
Help us during this Lenten season
to listen to your word,
to turn away from sin,
and to follow you more closely.
Amen. Always improve the present moment.
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