Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jonah walked through the city of Nineveh proclaiming that God’s judgment was near. In response, the people repented. They clothed themselves in sackcloth and ashes, mourned their sins, and hoped for God’s mercy. And they received it. God saved them from evil.
Jesus proclaimed a message similar to Jonah’s. He said, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Yet many refused to listen to Jesus. Instead of taking his words seriously, unlike the people of Nineveh, they continued living as they always had.
But we know who Jesus truly is. He is the greatest man who ever lived—and more than that, he is God. We first received him in baptism and continue to receive him at every Mass. He speaks to us in moments of quiet prayer and whenever we listen to Sacred Scripture. We allow the message of Jesus to change our hearts.
When Jesus says to us, “Repent,” we should take stock of our sins and ask for God’s mercy. Lent is a penitential season precisely for this purpose, so that we can receive God’s forgiveness for our sinful ways and resolve to change our direction. Jesus is greater than Jonah, because he not only calls us to repentance, but because he can actually give us God’s mercy. Just ask for God’s mercy with true sorrow and a firm purpose of amending your life and then receive the great gift of God’s love.