Something greater

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101325.cfm

There are lots of famous people. In our Western world, and perhaps everywhere these days, we seem to have a fascination with famous people. This is actually not a new phenomenon, but the prevalence of social media and television surely makes it easier to achieve some level of fame.

But even amidst all of this, there are some personalities, some people who seem to transcend generations and become icons of civilizations. In America we have Abraham Lincoln and Marin Luther King, and many others and these men deserve to be honored and revered.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus mentions two men who were recognized by the people as icons of their society, having lived hundreds of years before the time of Christ. They were known for two important things: forewarning a nation that they need to change their ways (Jonah) and for unparalleled wisdom (Solomon). In one of the most stunning statements of self-identity by the normally humble preacher, Jesus then says: there is something greater here.

If people believed in the forewarning of Jonah, then they should much more believe in the forewarning of Jesus. Quick Bible history lesson: the entire city of Nineveh donned sackcloth and covered themselves in ashes in response to Jonah’s warning. What response is Jesus looking for, then? He wants completely contrite hearts. Sackcloth and ashes were great physical signs of remorse, but they were just that. Some people might also have repented in their hearts, but Jesus tells us that we must be contrite in the depths of our hearts as we react to His preaching and His life.

If people believed in the great wisdom of Solomon, then they should much more believe in the wisdom of Jesus. Again a little Bible history: People streamed from all over the near east and beyond to come and witness the wisdom of Solomon and the splendor of his kingdom. So from us, Jesus is looking for more. Wisdom is knowing that God’s will is the greatest will for us. As a human, Jesus followed God’s will completely, and because of it, humanity was saved and our opportunity for eternal life in the most splendid kingdom was restored. He wants us to trust God’s will and know that great things await us.

Seek His forgiveness, and believe in His will, and know that there is NOTHING GREATER!