"O Thou who didst vex Thy prophet by the greatness of Thy mercies, Who smotest the gourd, but didst spare the sinners; have mercy on us also, Ninevites all, O Savior Christ, and by the intercessions of Thy glorious Prophet Jonah spare us also, who know not our right hand from our left hand, yet have not denied Thee, the only Friend of Man." (From the Matins Service, Jonah the Prophet, September 21.)
This prayer from the Orthodox service commemorating the Prophet Jonah (actually transferred to September 22 each year because of the "Leave-Taking of the Holy Cross [Sept. 14]" on Sept. 21), reminds me of the mercy of God in constantly calling us to repentance, even when it seems no one is listening. I can at least listen, daily. And it is best to assume that most people indeed do not know their right hand from their left hand (else why such stupid and ultimately harmful sins?), lest we fall into the sort mind that Jonah had, who seemed to want the Ninevites to "get theirs." God forbid that we all get what's coming to us. His mercy is beyond measure.
This reminds me of a recent discussion I had with my Latin I students at a public high school. As they listed various Latin mottoes, one suggested "iustitia pro omnibus", "justice for all," and I replied, "That's a great one!" Then I caught myself and challenged them by saying, "Or is it?" I pressed on and asked them if they wanted justice for all. Most heads eagerly nodded. Then I asked, "Do you really want justice for all the things you have done?" Immediately horror-stricken looks crossed some faces. I continued, "I want justice for you, because I want you to pay for what you have done to me, but I do not want justice for everyone, because that would include me. I do not want justice for the things I have done. I would prefer a bit of grace and mercy."
I wish I had seen your post then. We are indeed Ninevites all.
Posted by: Magister Christianus | September 21, 2009 at 02:26 PM
Is the Book of Jonah a historical fact-narrative or is it didactic fiction?
Posted by: Truth Unites... and Divides | September 21, 2009 at 02:43 PM
"Is the Book of Jonah a historical fact-narrative or is it didactic fiction?" Truthfully, this will distract from the point of my post. The Orthodox church commemorates Jonah the Prophet as a Prophet of the Old Testament.
Posted by: Jim Kushiner | September 21, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Would that I could say that I didn't know my right hand from my left when I still obey my left. Sadly, I too often know all too well what I am doing when I sin.
As to TUAD's question, I would say that it is a historical tale told didactically in a mythic style. It presumes to be historical without thinking that the historical details are what matters. Therefore, poetic, or, more properly, prophetic liberties are taken with the story.
Posted by: Christopher Hathaway | September 21, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Those fish slappers, they deserve what they have comin'!
Posted by: Fr Nathan Thompson | September 22, 2009 at 02:46 PM
This reminds me of the audacious bumper sticker I saw on a car on my commute into work today.
In large letters: "God Love You!"
In small print: "Even If You're An A**hole!"
Well, it got my attention.
Posted by: Bill R | September 22, 2009 at 04:52 PM