Not everyone wants a loving Father, an "Abba," as Jesus calls Him (Lk 11:2). Jonah begrudgingly recognized that God was merciful and gracious, "slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish" (Jon 4:2). Jonah wanted punishment for the people of the city of Nineveh, not mercy (see Jon 1:3; 4:9ff).
Many clamor for "canceling" people they don't like. Jonah wanted to "cancel" Nineveh; he wanted this so much that he set up a hut so as to joyfully watch their annihilation (Jon 4:5). We in the modern world have couches and TVs, where in comfort we can watch our enemies being canceled and ruined.
God is "merciful and gracious" (Ps 103:8). Jesus reveals that God wants us to relate to Him as our dear Father rather than a terrifying Punisher (Lk 11:2). However, many nations today do not want mercy on their enemies.
What kind of God do you want? Is the Father that Jesus reveals your kind of God? We don't know if Jonah ever changed after his encounter with God. After your encounter with the God of mercy today, will you change? Will you let God "cancel" your resentment and unforgiveness? (see Lk 9:23) Or will you in turn "cancel" God's desire to reign in your life?
| PRAYER: | Father, "Your kingdom come" (Lk 11:2). Help me to forgive others as You forgive me (Lk 11:4). |
| PROMISE: | "When you pray, say 'Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come.' " –Lk 11:2 |
| PRAISE: | As a young priest, Pope St. John XXIII was drafted into the Italian Army during World War I to serve as chaplain and stretcher-bearer. As archbishop during World War II, he saved many thousands of Jews from being taken to concentration camps. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College