The homilist did not preach January 14.  -- We certainly need to know the context of this episode in the book of Jonah if we are going to appreciate how God works with an unwilling prophet.

Imagine being embarrassed on behalf of one's entire country, as we try to negotiate the boundaries of unity and diversity.

We consider the impossibility of counting the stars, the impossibility implied in sacrificing one's son, and the impossibility of having one's heart pierced by a sword.

The homilist did not preach on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (it was the deacon's turn).  Imagine the figurines of a Nativity scene being set up on a battlefield.  That's the whole point of Jesus' Incarnation.

In risk and in ritual, joy emerges.

The Book of Consolation (beginning at Isaiah 40) aids us as we remember that God never tells us, "You are something wrong."