Readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32
Nineveh, Jerusalem, Dayton, village, town, city, metropolis – all these places and others have heard the words “. . . these are evil times with evil people. . . .” All want a sign, a miracle to prove that God is with us. Yet, they don't see the presence of God or notice the gifts that God has given.
Jesus says the experience of Jonah, the wisdom of Solomon expressed to the Queen of Sheba and even His very own words have been put aside. They have not been listened to. How can we be so foolish?
We live in a time of war, of natural disasters, of social injustices, of people hungering for both physical and spiritual food. God is speaking to us – today! How willing are we to give up creature comforts, having our own way, our self-centered lives? Are we ready to reach out to those who have so little? Will we enter the belly of the fish, make the journey to the cross, be buried in the tomb? Will we have resurrection joy at the end of Lent?
It takes hard work, determination and the donning of sackcloth to put aside the sin we recognize in ourselves. Only when we have done this, can we walk across our cities and preach the message of repentance as did Jonah, Jesus, Gaspar, Maria Anna Brunner, Theresa Weber, Francis Pfanner and Maria de Mattias. Listen and open your hearts you chosen ones of the Lord.
What will be your time in the belly of the whale this Lent?
Reflection: by: Sister Rose Wildenhaus, C.PP.S. (Dayton, Ohio)