Jonah’s Temper Tantrum

Recently the lectionary readings focused on the story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet upset because the people of Nineveh converted their ways. Why shouldn’t Jonah have been pleased that such an enormous city would listen to one man’s warning? Was Jonah even acting logically?

We’ve probably all felt anger for little or no reason. And we’ve probably been illogical at times as we bit the hand that fed us, or when we lashed out at the persons who love us most. Eventually Jonah recognizes God as a God of mercy. When we sin in our illogical ways, we can ask God for forgiveness. We know the God of Mercy will pardon us—even though logic says there is no reason to do so.