THE TRUTH ABOUT JONAH AND THE WHALE

In the Armenian Liturgical calendar, this week is known as “Arrachavorats Bahk” (Առաջաւորաց Պահք)։ As the 6th century historian Zenob Klag informs us, it was the first fasting-week established for us by St. Gregory the Illuminator.  Known in English as the Fast of the Catechumens, the week consists of two three-day fasting periods (Sunday evening to Wednesday morning and Wednesday evening to Saturday morning) to commemorate the three days of Jonah in the belly of the whale and the three days of fasting imposed upon Nineveh. The fasting week culminates on Saturday with the commemoration of Saint Sarkis the General, his son Mardiros, and the fourteen soldiers martyred with them.  

The fasting period reminds us of three important points: fallen human nature, remorse after sin, and the mercy of God.  

I would like to share an anecdote related to Prophet Jonah. In its simplicity, I think this story carries a profound message.  

At school, a teacher asked a student what she was drawing. Without interrupting her work, the student answered, “Jonah in the belly of the whale.” The teacher, trying to educate and not to hurt the feelings of the student who was diligently trying to finish her artwork, told her, “I’m sure you know that what you’re drawing is just fiction.” The student was totally surprised at this comment, and raising her head said, “But miss, it’s true! I can show you. I have read it in my Bible.”  The teacher tried gently to convince her that the story was nothing more than a metaphor, and that it should not be accepted as a real event.  

The student, being unable to convince the teacher, yet not yielding, said, “OK, Miss, then when I meet Jonah in Heaven, I will ask him the truth.”  

The teacher was surprised at this unexpected reply, and in turn ironically asked: “How about if Jonah is in Hell?” The student retorted, “Then, Miss, you ask him about the truth.”      

Yes, my dear brothers and sisters, religion is not meant to solve riddles. Religion is the means of accepting Divine Revelation to help us understand the reason, the course, and the goal of our temporary life as an introduction to a more perfect life.  

Blessed are those who are like children who trust their pa