The readings for Wednesday of the first week of Lent are rich with themes of repentance, prayer, and the call to turn towards God with sincerity.
In the first reading from Jonah (Jonah 3:1-10), the people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s call for repentance. Their genuine sorrow for their sinful ways lead to God’s mercy, showing how sincere repentance can change the course of a person or a community’s life. The King of Nineveh sets the tone by humbling himself and calling for fasting, sackcloth, and prayers. It’s a reminder that God is always ready to forgive those who truly seek Him with a contrite heart.
The Gospel (Luke 11:29-32) focuses on repentance and faith, where Jesus points to the people of Nineveh and the Queen of the South as examples of those who responded to God’s messages. Jesus highlights how they recognized the truth when they heard it, contrasting that with the people of His time who remained skeptical, even when confronted with the signs and teachings He offered. It challenges us to examine whether we are truly open to God’s message or if we, like the people of that generation, remain resistant to change.
Our exposure to social media today put us at risk of taken things for granted simply because the gospel is at our doorsteps. But like Jonah, can we boast of authentic preachers who serve as mouthpieces of God?
The importance of humility, openness, and genuine repentance are in view. They call us, especially during Lent, to not only acknowledge our sins but to take deliberate steps to turn away from them and seek God’s mercy. This is a season to reflect on how we can be more receptive to God’s voice and how our own actions might reflect a deeper conversion of heart.
Remember, your individual repentance will fuel the quest to return to God that will affect the community’s decision to turn to God. It started from the King down to the least in Nineveh. Make your Lenten observances intentional and you will find joy at Easter.
Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
(Sister Communicator)
