“There is something greater than Jonah here.” Luke 11:32

Have you ever heard the saying that “the good is the enemy of the best?” It’s interesting to consider this idea for a bit, because we aren’t comparing the bad with the good. That would be an obvious choice. (Well, at least we hope it would be.) We are talking about something we inherently know is helpful, beneficial, and worth focusing on. Why would it be the enemy of the best? Because, even though it has value, is it the highest we can go? Is there more? 

Our fallen human nature can sometimes get caught in the comfortable. How many of us, reading these reflections each day, are praying, working on our spiritual life, and trying to be a good Christian? We go to Mass. We say our rosary. We believe and try to be a good person. It all feels like we are doing the right things. Then Jesus comes along and says, “Hey friend, what you are doing right now is good. I’m so glad you are wanting to be with Me. I have something more for you. How about we trade what you are holding onto right now with this other gift I’d like to give you?” What do we say? 

I’d like to think we’d all jump and say, YES! But in reality, moving from what is comfortable and good into something greater takes work and sacrifice and maybe pain. Sometimes just the momentum to get started can be hard to find. We are creatures of habit and a body at rest, tends to stay at rest. Especially if where we are is good. We want to know if it is worth the effort or struggle before we let go and trust. We aren’t too different from the generation that Jesus is talking about in today’s gospel. 

They wanted a sign. Jesus had been walking among them, teaching and performing miracles. He had just reminded them that God wishes to give them the best, not a snake when they ask for a fish. He was casting out demons and they were doubting Him and demanding a sign that He truly was from God. And that may have been a bit frustrating, because He turns to them and says they are a wicked generation. He tells them that they have the chance to move from what is good (Jonah and Solomon) towards what is best (Jesus). 

And He is still calling us today to see beyond what is just good and never stop reaching for more of Him. More holiness. More virtue. More Grace. Can we move from the comfortable into the challenging this Lent, knowing that God wants to give us the best, not just have us settle for the good. We have been created for more and we can’t stay stuck when He wants so much for us. Don’t be afraid to let go so that your hands are open to receive what He wants to give you. 

Reflection Questions: We have made it one week since we started on Ash Wednesday. How are you doing so far on this Lenten journey? Have you started to reach deeper and make some time for quiet so that you can listen to His voice? Where is the Lord working on your heart to see beyond what is good and strive for the better with Him?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You stand before me asking me to give you the good that I have so that you can give me something even greater. Help me to let go of the things I want to hang onto, so that my hands are empty to receive the more abundant life you desire for me. It can be scary, because I’m comfortable where I am. But I trust You. Amen.