Wednesday of the First Week
In reflecting on today’s readings during this first week of Lent, it’s easy to notice this potential wrath of God. In the story of Jonah and his warnings to Nineveh, and reiterated in this portion of Luke’s Gospel, we see these warnings to repent. We hear warnings that failure to repent will result in judgment and destruction, and may form our own images of a wrathful and angry God. It is crucial to note, however, that these foretellings of wrath are followed by embrace. At this threat, the people of Nineveh repent and turn to the Lord, and Christ calls His crowd to do the same. These stories are not meant to emphasize the fury of God, but rather, His gift of forgiveness; the gift that we are able to receive no matter what we have done, and the gift we, as Easter people, anticipate so eagerly during this Lenten season. Both the people of Nineveh and the “evil generation” that Jesus addresses are facing destruction that comes not from God, but from a lack of God, in their lives. Repenting, turning towards, and living a life for our Heavenly Father does not simply spare us from hellfire, it lifts us out of it and into the cover of His love, forgiveness, and grace. The Responsorial Psalm sums this up most effectively—God is forgiving and approachable. Despite our faults, if we turn to the Lord, acknowledging both our faults and His power, we are saved. This is the message we must remember throughout our Lenten season—as we humble ourselves before the great glory of God, we are not simply spared people, but saved people.
Loving and merciful God, grant us the grace to encounter Your compassion and forgiveness this Lenten season. Create in us a humble heart, that we know You will not turn away, and bring us closer to the unending mercy and salvation You wish to provide all Your children. Amen.
Dan O’Malley, ’22
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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