Wednesday, Third Week of Advent
Theme: Jonah
Symbol: Whale
Prayer of Ven. Bruno Lanteri
Almighty and Eternal God, I (name), although most unworthy, but encouraged by your compassion and infinite mercy, and by the desire of serving you, offer before the Most Holy Virgin Mary and all the Court of Heaven, to your Divine Majesty, this day, and all my thoughts, words and actions in it. I humbly beg of your infinite goodness and mercy, by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that you choose to accept this offering in the odor of sweetness, and that as you have given me the grace to desire and to make this offering, so also you grant me the grace to fulfill it. Amen.
O Virgin immaculately conceived, put into my heart those things of your Son most pleasing to him. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 12:39-40
[Jesus] said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
Reflection: Most of us know what it is like to be swallowed up in some darkness. Whether grief at the loss of friends and family, failure at a job or project, or the pain of a relationship lost, or a loved one who has abandoned us, the darkness may well feel like being caught in the belly of Jonah’s whale. How did we get here, and how do we get out? Jesus knows this darkness too. He descended into the heart of the earth and descends into any heart experiencing darkness to bring his life, his light, his resurrection. Do you call out to Jesus in times of darkness, doubt or confusion? Jonah’s time in the darkness led him to greater wisdom and understanding. Might your times of darkness be the same?