Jonah’s response to the people of Nineveh reveals a hardness of heart that God addresses in the wilderness. May we examine our lives with care, rooting out anything that is unworthy of the Lord.
Transept in the basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome
Jesus makes it clear that no special signs will be given to the people, for they have something greater than any prophet or miracle. They have the Son of God!
It’s human nature to be looking for a sign from God – guiding our actions and helping us to see the right path. Jesus teaches in the gospel of Luke that we don’t need any more signs…we have the Lord! The task now? To put our faith into practice.
Those little words, “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” have the power to bring healing and grace as we recognize our weaknesses and ask for mercy. May the example of Jonah and Jesus inspire us to speak them frequently from the heart!
Mary, Jonah and the people of Nineveh all showed a remarkable sense of focus in the readings today. They were able to zero in on something crucial, and with God’s grace they were able to carry it out.
Jonah preaches to the people and they repent – through the signs of sackcloth, fasting, and supplication. When the people ask Jesus for a sign he recalls what happened at Nineveh, and he invites us to offer this “sign” of repentance that comes from our hearts – turning from sin and following the Lord.
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If you are looking for more material to help you this Lent, you might consider this list of presentations I have offered over the last couple of years. Feel free to check it out and share if you find it helpful: