The Story of Jonah 

   “But to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) 

   The book of Jonah is one of the shortest books in the bible, just three short chapters.  It can be read in its entirety in about twenty minutes or less.  But Jonah gives us a lesson that all of us need to contemplate; to love our enemies.

   The Ninevites were the hated enemies of the Israelites and yet God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn them of the wrath that was to come if they didn’t change their ways.

   Jonah first tried to run from God, refusing to do as He commanded.  As a result, he was thrown overboard during a storm at sea and ended up in the belly of the big fish.  After three days the fish spit Jonah up on the shore and God once again told Jonah to go to Nineveh: this time he listened and obeyed God’s word.  Much to his chagrin, the Ninevites repented upon hearing Jonah’s warning avoiding the coming destruction.

   All's well that ends well, right?  Not so much.  Jonah became angry with God for sparing the Ninevites.  So much so that he asked to die.  His anger and his hatred of his enemies would not allow him to rejoice in their salvation.

   Pope St. John Paul II went to the prison and forgave the man who had tried to assassinate him.   As she lay dying from the many stab wounds inflicted on her during an attempted rape, St. Maria Goretti forgave her attacker, saying she wanted to see him in heaven.  On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know what they do.” (Luke 23: 34). This is what “loving your enemies" means; to forgive and pray for them though they have caused great harm and even taken your life.

   Could I do as our Lord and these two saints did in forgiving and loving their enemies, or would I, like Jonah be angered at their repentance and salvation?  I pray that I would have the love to forgive, but vengeance is a terrible master.  May God give me the strength to love rather than hate.