The Sign of Jonah: Rev. Fr Pius Odediran Calls Faithful to Deeper Conversion This Lent

As Christians journey through the sacred season of Lent, Rev. Fr Pius Odediran has urged the faithful to look beyond outward signs and rediscover the deeper meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection.

In his homily for Wednesday, 25th February 2026 — the First Week of Lent — the priest reflected on the Gospel passage from Luke 11:29–32, where Jesus describes Himself as the “sign of Jonah” to a generation seeking proof.

The Sign That Calms the Storm

Rev. Fr Pius Odediran explained that when Jesus referred to Jonah, He was pointing to a profound mystery of sacrifice and redemption.

Jonah, who was thrown into the sea to calm the raging storm and save the sailors, became a sign of deliverance. In a similar but far greater way, Christ allowed Himself to be handed over to a violent crowd, offering His life to calm the storms of sin threatening humanity.

“Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish before being released,” the cleric noted, “so Christ would spend three days in the belly of the earth before rising in glory.”

According to him, the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a transformative sign — a declaration that humanity has been given another chance. Where Jonah was recommissioned after fleeing his mission, mankind, through Christ’s resurrection, has been restored from the state of sin.

Beyond Miracles and Wonders

The homily stressed that Jesus did not want His followers to reduce faith to spectacular miracles or visible wonders.

Rev. Fr Pius Odediran warned that many people, like Christ’s contemporaries, seek dramatic signs while ignoring the greater revelation standing before them. He emphasised that Jesus is greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon, greater than Abraham and the prophets — the fulfilment of all they proclaimed.

“The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching,” he observed. “Yet something greater than Jonah is here.”

He challenged believers not to limit their Lenten observances to routine devotions alone, but to encounter Christ personally in repentance, forgiveness, and renewed commitment.

Recognising Christ in Our Midst

Drawing attention to the present reality of Christ, the priest reminded the congregation that the same Jesus who walked among His contemporaries is present today as the Risen Lord.

He described the Eucharist as the greatest sign of Christ’s abiding presence — a sacred sacrament in which the Lord offers Himself under the forms of bread and wine, declaring, “This is my body… This is my blood.”

“Coming to the Eucharist,” he said, “is coming to someone greater than Jonah or Solomon.”

Rev. Fr Pius Odediran encouraged Catholics to see Christ in every Lenten programme — in the Holy Mass, devotions, the Blessed Sacrament, and personal prayer. He cautioned that believers can fail to appreciate the Lord who stands among them if they are constantly searching for extraordinary manifestations.

Living as Co-Heirs in Christ

The homily concluded with a call to live out the grace received through baptism. According to the priest, Christians are not merely followers but co-heirs with Christ, invited into a living relationship with God.

“Our calling,” he affirmed, “is to live as sons and daughters of God — responding with love, repentance, and conversion.”

As Lent continues, Rev. Fr Pius Odediran’s message serves as a sober reminder that the greatest sign has already been given. The challenge now lies not in demanding more proof, but in responding with transformed hearts.

Akahi News www.akahinews.org