The First Wednesday of Lent

This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.  Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

The signs of Jonah and the Son of Man are both calls for repentance. Jonah proclaimed the destruction of Nineveh and this lead to the repentance of others. Jesus, on the other hand, proclaimed the salvation of man through his own life, death, and resurrection, which lead to the conversion of sinners. In a way, each of us is also called to be a sign of repentance to the world and remind our family, friends, and neighbors of the need for contrite hearts. We are meant to be beacons of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace and we cannot do that if we let our pride blind us to our faults or our fears to keep us from seeking forgiveness.

What can we do to overcome our pride and fears and become models of God’s Divine Mercy? How can we cultivate contrite spirits and hearts within ourselves? How do our lives lead others to redemption?

O Lord, makes us into living signs of your mercy.

Amen.