Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Over the years many articles have been written about changing habits. Many of the resources I have found suggest that consistent behavior for three weeks give us a fairly good chance of breaking a habit. This of course is not fool proof, especially when we don’t really want to change. This is why lent is as important to us as Catholics, because we understand, perhaps subconsciously that we are in need of change. Lent signals and calls us to a change where we turn away from sin and are faithful to the Gospel. Often it is our own self that gets in the way of allowing a change to occur.
Jonah was sent on a mission to evoke change in the people of Nineveh. God sent a clear and detailed message to Jonah who was to challenge the people to proclaim a fast and put on sackcloth. Ironically in today’s reading we find God to Jonah for a second time to set out on this mission. Even as Jonah now does what the Lord asks he seems to be a reluctant messenger, Jonah’s attitude suggests, “Oh sure God I will deliver your message, but it is not going to work.” As Jonah proclaims God’s words to the people of Nineveh, change begins to occur. They put on sack cloth and ashes. Suddenly, the whole kingdom is working for change together. Notice the people believe that if they make a change God toward a more compassionate point of view.
Just as Jonah’s nudge caused the people of Nineveh to turn away sin and turn back toward God, so Lent does the same for us. We like the people of Nineveh need to reset our relationship with God. Lent is the natural time of preparation where the Church through our Lenten disciplines attempts to evoke change in us. Consider your one week old Lenten practices have they caused you the opportunity to be less comfortable? Is your spirit more humble and aware of a hungering for God?
We still can begin again if we have not fully entered into the Lenten season. Today’s Gospel helps to nudge us toward this spirit of humility by reminding us that there is greater message here. Jesus our savior is greater than any idol we have built and it is never too late to return to God with a contrite heart.
"Lord. form us with humble and contrite hearts, so that with a steadfast spirit we will worship You alone, who was, who is, and who always will be, world without end. Amen!"
-Michael Montgomery