Today we have two major story-lines to deal with in our readings: the first is the story of Jonah, the Prophet who, even in this brief passage (while he is apparently trying to run away from God) can be seen very clearly as a type (in other ways) for Jesus, who is to come; the second story is about love of neighbor, which means love of everyone - even those who might be diametrically opposed to us in every way.
The fact that Jonah was asleep in the boat and had to be awakened to help calm the storm at sea - was quite clearly a sign of when Jesus was asleep in the back of the disciples’ boat, and a bad squall blew up, and he had to be awakened and asked to help save them! Jonah was willing to do what he could do and so was Jesus! The point of the fact is that Jesus had the power - Jonah just pointed to the power.
When the ship’s crew asked what they could do to calm the sea - which was getting more and more turbulent - Jonah suggested that they pick him up and throw him into the sea. They did and the sea quieted down. Jesus suggested that when he is picked up and nailed to a cross, the storm of sin would subside and there would be quiet and the stillness of redemption!
Jonah was rescued by a large fish that was sent by God - and he spent three days in the inner recesses of the fish - which most certainly prefigures the three days that Jesus spent in the inner recesses of the earth after his violent death on the cross - which was followed by his glorious resurrection from the dead!
In the gospel passage the Samaritan rescues a poor fellow who was attacked and left for dead on the side of the road - by someone who would be the last to do it - a Samaritan - a person who belonged to a renegade sect of Judaism. This kind-hearted Samaritan did not care that the half-dead man was not a Samaritan - that he was part of an opposing sect - he treated him with mercy and compassion. He lifted him up, carried him to a place where he could be cared for and provided for his needs. Jesus tells this story to demonstrate that anyone and everyone who needs help - who needs to be lifted up, in any way - is our neighbor and our responsibility before God.
Jonah helped the crew of the ship by allowing himself to be lifted up and cast into the sea, the Samaritan helped the unfortunate man by lifting him up and carrying him to safety. God the Father helped all of us to find forgiveness from our sins, and the possibility of eternal life by lifting up his own beloved Son on the Cross so that he could give his life for us and for our salvation! Thank your, Jesus for cooperating in the Father’s plan!
Yes, Lord, you will rescue my life from the pit!
Help me to lift up my neighbor - that is, anyone and everyone whose path will cross mine today! Let me not walk on the other side of the street - but empowered by your Spirit, let me treat with kindness and compassion those who are right in front of me!
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