
Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
I remember as a child, as I read the Bible and tried to catechize myself, I thought the story of Jonah was a great adventure. How exciting it would be to travel inside a fanciful whale over the great oceans to a new land and new people.
It was years later when I learned the true meaning of that story, and in my mind, it still contained an adventure. The adventure of Jesus traveling across the great ocean of death, freeing souls to a new heavenly land, and on the third day coming to renew the earth and offer a new future for the people He met -- for the people who still meet Him daily in this life.
The Sign of Jonah can hold personal meaning in our life too. There are times when suffering can swallow us whole, and in darkness we rest, traveling for days, until finally with God’s help we come to a different land than where we started. The Holy Spirit gently accompanying us through the darkened journey to light.
It is a wondrous adventure, and one we as Christians live often.
An did you know that the name Jonah means dove?
Ponder:
When you’re encompassed by difficulties, can you rest within the challenge? Can you focus on the Holy Trinity to accompany you through it all?
Pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, and be a companion on my journey through difficulty, fear, or darkness. Let me trust in You that as my journey comes to a close, I will know the refreshing light of God in whatever land my new adventure takes place.
Copyright 2025 Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB
About the Author

Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB
Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB lives an eremitic life and authored A Garden Catechism, A Catholic Gardener’s Spiritual Almanac, A Garden of Visible Prayer: Creating a Personal Sacred Space One Step at a Time, and Cultivating God’s Garden through Lent. An award-winning author, Margaret has a master’s degree in communications, is a Certified Greenhouse Grower, Master Gardener, liturgical garden consultant, and workshop/retreat leader.
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