Wednesday of First week in Lent (Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15) To many people, Jonah would seem a “failed” prophet. Here was a man who goes out to Nineveh and prophesies about its destruction. God indeed had given him this message to preach. After preaching his message, Jonah was perhaps waiting to see the words come to happen. Nothing of that sort seems to happen. However, if we really look at it carefully, Jonah is a very successful prophet. This is because he got a people from another country, who did not really believe in God (the way the Jews – the “chosen” people of God did), and who were involved in all sorts of things that provoke anger (including perhaps injustice, misconduct in various spheres) to turn their lives around. He was able to get everyone to repent, right from the king to the person in the streets, and to renounce their old ways and begin a new life. Is it not a powerful act of prophesy and teaching? Compare this with perhaps the “great” prophets in Israel and elsewhere, who even with their “best” preaching were not able to change many hearts (even of Jews). In fact, in some cases, even the kings and the locals tried to drive them away. This Scripture also says, that God is not just for a few “chosen” people. There are also people from other races and clans and nationalities (some of whom may have never even heard Scripture), but are genuinely seeking God. There are also many among these people, who recognize (especially when they are doing wrong), that they are doing wrong, and willing to change. Compare this with some people, who consider themselves as “chosen” people who “think” they do no wrong, and hence there is no need for change. Jesus, too if seen purely from a point of history seems a failure. He comes from a remote part of the Roman empire, and a small region thereof. He was persecuted by the religious leaders of His time, was crucified (a punishment which was supposed to be only for worst criminals) and laid to rest. Most of His disciples had run away at that moment. However, seen two thousand years and more years later, Jesus was very successful. His message of love has touched people over these many years and many have been ready and given up everything, including their very possessions and life out of love, and to serve God’s people, even in distant lands. His message of “love” still shines in a world that tries to teach hate in its various forms, in a world broken by geography and other beliefs. Often the world’s model of success is not God’s model. We think when we have a lot of money or when we head some business or head the local governing body or are classified as most glamorous we are very successful. Maybe, there is some truth in it at a human level. However, even at an earthly level let us ask ourselves, “Who was the winner of the Oscars a few years ago, or the winner of the beauty pageant or the leader of the business, or the head of the local government”. Perhaps most of us would have no clue. However, we still remember the many who have taught the message of love and forgiveness over the generations. We remember those who have been good to us. When we are doing good things, let us continue doing the good that we are doing, trusting in the Good Lord to take care. We do not know who is benefitting and how. Nobody might even know that we are about doing good things. However, we can be sure that someone somewhere will definitely benefit. And that is success.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:27:31 +0000
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