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During this season of Lent, let’s open our hearts to God’s call to repentance and conversion.
When Jonah preached, they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here.
Today’s readings are about second chances. Where the first reading picks up, Jonah himself has just been given another chance, after initially running away from the call to preach to the people of Nineveh. Upon hearing Jonah’s warning of the coming destruction, the Ninevites all repent and are forgiven by God (much to Jonah’s chagrin, but that’s another story).
In the gospel, Jesus hears the people asking for some kind of spectacular sign that will convince them to repent. In reply, he reminds them of the story of Jonah – this is the only “sign” they will receive, for “there is something greater than Jonah here”.
Perhaps we too sometimes want a sign from God. Today’s gospel reminds us that we have already received one. Jesus has shown us God’s way of love. He has called us to change and to join the work of reshaping the world with justice, reconciliation and compassion.
Like the people of Nineveh, may we, during this season of Lent, open our hearts to God’s call to repentance and conversion. Let’s seek to respond to that invitation today so that, by the lives we lead, we may become a sign for our own generation.
Prayer
God of new life,
may we respond to
and share your call to repentance,
keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the sign of your love.
Amen.
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