Today's readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32
Jonah went to Ninevah and warned
them about the destruction of their town in 40 days. The people knew it was due
to their sins...and so they immediately began a fast and poured ashes on
themselves to show that they were sorry and that their inner self would change.
God did see their conversion and thus saved the town.
So is true with our lives. We live in a crazy world, and our culture pushes individualism and selfishness. It reminds me of the story when Jesus told us that we have two paths: “Enter through the narrow gate;- for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
I can choose to live however I want. That is the beauty of free will. But, I have to accept the consequences that come. If I choose selfishness, I get selfishness...if I choose love...I get love. The road of selfishness is a broad road. Anything in life goes. No one can tell me what I should be doing. But, this road leads to eternal selfishness. The road of love is a narrow road. It is a hard road, because love requires a gift of self. That means it requires discipline…of heart, mind and soul. It includes pain and suffering. But, it leads to eternal happiness, and will bring peace in this life.
I want to be in communion with others. I want to live in relationship. I don’t want to be lonely. So my life has to show this. I have to make sure that I am choosing this at every moment. I have to be willing to discipline myself and accept the discipline that God allows me to go through. It will help me to continue on the narrow road. Or, I will find myself living in selfishness.
Jesus is our sign (just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites). He warns us of the destruction of the world. It is our choice. Will we be like the Ninevites that went into a period of penance? Or will we continue on our own path of destruction and selfishness? It is our choice.
How can you seek penance for your life? What are things you need to change in your life so that you can enjoy peace now and eternal life later?
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