Three weeks before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Fr. Matthew Howell continues his reflections on the Nativity Katavasia. This time he focuses on the 6th ode which is based on the prayer of Jonah from inside the belly of the sea monster (Jonah 2:3-10). Fr. Matthew explains how the "sign of Jonah" (cf. Mt. 12:38-40) refers to both Christ's resurrection and the preservation of Mary's Virginity after giving birth to Christ. Fr. Matthew also discusses Jonah's unfaithfulness; his pursuit of vanity (cf. Jonah 2:9); his small repentance, obedience, and half-hearted preaching; and how God can use us as conduits of grace if we can turn away from the pursuit of vanity and lies while turning towards God instead. Along the way, there are references to Veggietales and whining about "first world problems" like Americans.
