Although Saint Benedict denounces obedience that is cringing, half-hearted, grudging and accompanied by grumbling, the story of Jonah reminds us that God can still work in and through us even when our obedience is imperfect and not completely willing. After his dramatic and terrifying escape from the belly of a giant fish Jonah finally takes up his God-given mission to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. And, as we’ve just heard this mission carried out with less than perfect obedience brings about the mass conversion of the people of Nineveh. This is, of course, not to encourage or even tolerate our own imperfect obedience to God’s will as it reveals itself in our daily lives, but it is, rather, to encourage us to strive for ever more perfect obedience as we consider how much more God could be doing through us if we were totally surrendered to his loving will. And, conversely, let us also consider with sorrowful hearts how much good is being thwarted both in our own lives and in the lives of the community by our still imperfect obedience and our failure to bring our wills into conformity with God’s will. Accordingly, may this Lenten season be a graced opportunity to grow in our imitation of Christ who came not to do his own will, but the will of him who sent him.