ST. PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

The people of Nineveh believed God.

Something of a communal gut check happens when a major event like a natural disaster or a terrorist attack suddenly brings life into focus. Everyone affected takes stock of their lives, examines their behavior, and asks where God can be found in the midst of such a tragedy. But what about when a prophet preaches a message of impending doom? How do you think the residents of the same city might react? Do you think it would make a difference at all? Especially if the city were known for its wicked, sinful ways?

This is essentially the story told in the Book of Jonah. It wasn’t an earthquake or a military invasion that prompted the people of Nineveh to repent. It was the words of a lone foreigner who appeared on the city’s shores smelling like the fish that had swallowed him! That’s how powerful a prophetic message can be!

Lent is our time to emulate the people of Nineveh. It’s our opportunity to “believe God” (see Jonah 3:5) and embrace the call to deeper repentance and faith. On a concrete level, this means actively listening for the prophetic voices in our own surroundings. And like the people of Nineveh, we might hear God speaking to us through unexpected people or in unlikely places. It doesn’t have to be in a church, and it doesn’t have to come from our parish priest. God can use anyone or anything to get through to us: a television show, a chance encounter, a bumper sticker. Even someone you’d least expect can bring you God’s message.

But remember: just because Lent is a penitential season, it doesn’t mean that God only wants to speak to you about sin! He sent Jonah to the Ninevites out of abundant love, not out of a desire to punish. In fact, the more you keep your heart open to the Lord, the more you’ll be able to detect the love and compassion in any message God sends you. You won’t need the “gut check” of a tragedy to draw you back to him—because you’ll already be close to his heart!

“Lord, open my ears, my eyes, and my heart! Help me to hear your prophetic word, believe in you, and love you even more.”

Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Luke 11:29-32