Daily Reflection for Wednesday, March 09, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/030922.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Responsorial: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
“Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” Jonah 3:9
Nineveh, as the reading from Jonah describes, was a large city – the largest city in the world, in fact, for a short time – with scholars estimating a population of 120,000 or more. The Book of Jonah depicts the city as a “wicked city worthy of destruction.” The three-days’ walk through the city was most likely an exaggeration but regardless, it was not an easy journey for Jonah. Shortly after Jonah begins his walk through the city proclaiming that God will destroy it within 40 days due to their sinfulness, the Ninevites quickly listen. They fasted and put on sackcloth, hoping that God would extend his forgiveness for their evil ways. To me, this in itself is a miracle – for an entire city, the largest city in the world, including their ruler – to repent amazes me and humbles me. It is definitely not something you see often, if ever!
As God has done multiple times in many Bible stories, He forgave the Ninevites and did not destroy their city. God showed his grace to the people of Nineveh.
There have been many times – too many times – when I have strayed and when I have hurt others. Thankfully God has offered his grace to me, time and time again, and not once was I deserving of it.
Lent, as we know, is the time for repentance and forgiveness. It is the time to reconcile with others and with God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is the time to experience God’s grace in an intimate way for our ongoing spiritual growth and conversion.
How has God shown you grace in your life?
Encourage one another and build each other up,
Lisa Thibault