Wednesday March 9, 2022, Frances of Rome
Today we are given the prophet Jonah. If you know the story of Jonah, you have to smile at the excerpt we are reading today because it does not tell the whole story. Today, he goes into Nineveh to preach repentance at the Lord’s bidding. A clue to the whole story is in the first sentence: “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.” You see, Jonah was not a fan of the Ninevites, and would have been happy to see God destroy the city. He tried to run away from God when first commanded to preach there. He did not want to do the Lord’s bidding, but his fleeing was in vain (remember the three days in the belly of a fish). He was literally thrown up and into his role of saving the city and its people. Jonah reluctantly did God’s will, but he did it. I have ignored God’s call, too. When that little niggling in my conscience finally gets to where I can no longer ignore it, I finally act. Isn’t it grand that God didn’t give up on me? Isn’t it grand that God doesn’t give up on any of us? Isn’t it grand that God doesn’t give up, ever!! The Ninevites were given a chance to repent, Jonah was given a chance to change his mind, and I cannot count the many times have I had to hit the re-set button in my life. The Gospel Acclamation today is: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful” To which I reply: “Thank God!!”