Today's readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11:29-32
In today's Gospel, it seems that Jesus is calling us to task. He says that the people of that generation are looking for a sign and won't get one except him. I think the same is true for today. We were given the greatest sign, Jesus Christ, but how many times do we ask for another sign? We want more proof before we are willing to give any more of ourselves. We aren't satisfied with everything God has already given. But why? Why do we demand a sign before we act? Plus, how did Christ not show us enough about the love of God and the true happiness and freedom we can find in Him? What more can he show us to get us to believe? If His life was not enough, what is?
All of the readings discuss this connection for our need for repentance and change so that we do not live in sin. We all need to repent as we are all in need of mercy. We were given the greatest sign of mercy and we just need to turn to Him and repent.
In addition to repenting and changing, I have found in my own life that often times that God asks us to make a change in life, not necessarily because we are currently in sin in that situation, but because the change will help us to grow deeper in love with God and ourselves. It will cause us to rely on God more as we enter into the unknown. We will see the beauty in our strengths as we become more vulnerable and open to the challenge.
During Lent we get the opportunity to refocus on our relationship with God and others. We get a chance to take a look at the demands we put on God. Do we try to force God to give us unnecessary signs? Do we put contingencies on our love for God and others?
How do we respond to the times in our lives that God gives us a sign to repent and go and serve? Do we respond with hesitation or are we like the Ninevites who immediately repented when they were called to task by Jonah. He had made it 1/3 of the way through Ninevah proclaiming that if they did not change, the city would be destroyed. Immediately the people called for a fast, and when the news got to the king he 'rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes.' (Jonah 3:6)
How often do we respond with that much faith? If you are asked to make a change in life, do you drag your feet? Do you try to find a way to stay where you are? Or do you get up and work toward that change?
I am not a person that likes change. I find a lot of comfort in the known. But, I have also learned in life that stretching myself in the unknown is a wonderful thing for me. I get learn so much about myself and my strengths. I have truly become a better person as I go through those moments of change and repentance that I'm grateful for the opportunities and openness to become vulnerable.
God doesn't want us to stay complacent because that is then that the devil tries tempt us into destruction by convincing us that we do not need to change and that we do not need God. We have to take time often making sure that we are responding to the signs and wonders that Christ has given us, so that we will grow in true freedom.
How has Christ been a sign to you this Lent? What are ways that you are being asked to get up and make a change in life?
How often do we respond with that much faith? If you are asked to make a change in life, do you drag your feet? Do you try to find a way to stay where you are? Or do you get up and work toward that change?
I am not a person that likes change. I find a lot of comfort in the known. But, I have also learned in life that stretching myself in the unknown is a wonderful thing for me. I get learn so much about myself and my strengths. I have truly become a better person as I go through those moments of change and repentance that I'm grateful for the opportunities and openness to become vulnerable.
God doesn't want us to stay complacent because that is then that the devil tries tempt us into destruction by convincing us that we do not need to change and that we do not need God. We have to take time often making sure that we are responding to the signs and wonders that Christ has given us, so that we will grow in true freedom.
How has Christ been a sign to you this Lent? What are ways that you are being asked to get up and make a change in life?
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