17 Feb
Wed
1st Week of Lent
Jona 3:1-10
Ps. 50:3-4,12-13,18-19
Lk. 11:29-32
(Ps Wk I)
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In the first reading today, we read about Yahweh's second call to Jonah. This time Jonah makes no objection. He surrenders to God's call. When Jonah preaches to the people of Nineveh, conversion takes place.

In fact, the response of the Ninevites contains a key word of conversion: "turn" from their evil ways.

In today's Gospel passage, we hear Jesus comparing himself to Jonah. Jesus too, has a message of salvation, if the people will only heed it and "turn". However, what the people want is a sign, to prove that Jesus' power is not demonic but from God. As such, Jesus warns them that they would see Jesus' power and compassion move away from them to others who were afar off. On the day of judgement, these new Ninevites, who recognized in Jesus something greater than Jonah, would arise to condemn them.

During this Season of Lent, we constantly hear Jesus calling us to heed his message of salvation and to "turn" from sin. Are we truly hearing his message? Do we sincerely desire to "turn" from sin? Or are we waiting for a sign from him, before we repent of those areas in our lives that are displeasing to God?

Jesus himself is the sign. Let us not take his message of salvation for granted or wait for another sign before we "turn" back to God. Now is the time to repent!




O God, You will not spurn a humbled, contrite heart.




DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That we may take good care of creation - a gift freely given - cultivating and protecting it for future generations.
Elaboration

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