Daily Retreat 10/10/07
2007 Oct 10 Wed
Jon 4: 1-11/ Ps 85(86): 3-4. 5-6. 9-10/ Lk 11: 1-4
From today’s readings: “Have you reason to be angry?... Lord, You are merciful and gracious.... Lord, teach us to pray....”
Have you reason to be angry?
Many people are familiar with the gist of Jonah’s story, but have never actually read the book. The last chapter in particular often surprises readers: it’s downright comical to picture the prophet pouting about the death of a gourd/cucumber plant, feeling “angry enough to die.”
Not only do Jonah’s antics provide a foil to the “gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish,” but they also provide a reflective reflection for us to consider our own anger and antics. Let’s be honest - often, our excuses for our own tantrums are just as ridiculous as Jonah’s, but even when we’re griping about something more substantial than a withered cucumber, the reasons for our anger must be evaluated in light of God’s mercy toward us.
In other words, since we have sinned against God who is all good (and never at fault!), He certainly has real reason to be angry with us. And yet when we humbly beg that He forgive us our sins, all He asks is that “we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.” Have you reason to be angry? Our Lord gives greater reason to forgive!
Jon 4: 1-11/ Ps 85(86): 3-4. 5-6. 9-10/ Lk 11: 1-4
From today’s readings: “Have you reason to be angry?... Lord, You are merciful and gracious.... Lord, teach us to pray....”
Have you reason to be angry?
Many people are familiar with the gist of Jonah’s story, but have never actually read the book. The last chapter in particular often surprises readers: it’s downright comical to picture the prophet pouting about the death of a gourd/cucumber plant, feeling “angry enough to die.”
Not only do Jonah’s antics provide a foil to the “gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish,” but they also provide a reflective reflection for us to consider our own anger and antics. Let’s be honest - often, our excuses for our own tantrums are just as ridiculous as Jonah’s, but even when we’re griping about something more substantial than a withered cucumber, the reasons for our anger must be evaluated in light of God’s mercy toward us.
In other words, since we have sinned against God who is all good (and never at fault!), He certainly has real reason to be angry with us. And yet when we humbly beg that He forgive us our sins, all He asks is that “we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.” Have you reason to be angry? Our Lord gives greater reason to forgive!
posted by FrPitstick | 10/09/2007
<< Home