Wednesday of the 1st week of Lent
Theme: Sincere repentance
In the 1st reading of today, we see how the message of God that was delivered by Jonah to the people of Nineveh and was promptly responded to by the people. They have offended God by their actions and God was going to destroy them, but he had to send Jonah to them first. Their remorse and prompt response to the message of Jonah is worthy of emulation, by all of us who go by the name Christians. We are told that their repentance and remorse is from the greatest to the least in Nineveh. When God saw their sincere repentance, he forgave them their sins. The people believed the message of Jonah and acted promptly, and God reverted his plans for them.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, reflecting on this reading, I was just wondering whether we can respond in a similar way in our own time. I am wondering because it was the message of Jonah that brought about the sincere repentance of the people of Nineveh. In our own time, different people come to us with the word of God, and we also listen to different people preaching about the word of God, why have we not repented of our sins and embraced the teachings of God, like the people of Nineveh did in their own time? It is important that we reflect about this issue of conversion as individuals. If the whole of Nineveh can listen to Jonah, why are we not listening to the word of God that comes to us through different people? The season of Lent presents us with the opportunity for repentance, let us reflect on this word today and do the needful in our life.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the action of God, simply shows that his desire for us all is salvation. He could have destroyed the people of Nineveh without sending Jonah to them, but he did not do that, but gave them another chance by sending Jonah to them. Fortunately, they repented of their sins and begged for the mercy of God, and they were forgiven. In the same way, I want us to know that the season of Lent is another opportunity for us to retrace our steps and return back to God, just like the people of Nineveh. Do not allow anybody or situation stop you from accepting Gods invitation for repentance during this season of Lent. God is patiently waiting for you to make that vital decision that will build your relationship with him and better your life. May God bless his words in our hearts in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.