Jonah as Satire

We have a friendly, enthusiastic new preacher at the downtown parish. The other day he talked about one of his favorite books in the Bible, the Book of Jonah, and how it could be read two ways: one as the literal truth, in which case the message is that some prophets are reluctant and that all are capable of repentance. But he sees it as a satire, written to poke at the Chosen People for being given so much and yet griping and sinning and being unrepentant. He said this is especially applicable to us as Catholics, having been given so much in terms of the Eucharist and strong and true doctrine and yet we are so often so lukewarm. He said it was likely satirical because of the over-the-top way they repented, with even their animals wearing ashes. Funny, I always liked to think of it as literal if only because it's so hopeful to see a people repent and avoid punishment enmasse. My cyncism shows when I say that that alone is what shows it's satire. But all things are possible with God and the example of the saints shows that.