God's Mercy

The well-known story of Jonah is being read at weekday Masses currently and reminds us about the effectiveness of prayer and penance...as well as gives a lesson on humility.  Jonah preached repentance, and as he had intuited, Nineveh would not be destroyed because the people actually LISTENED, did penance and repented.  In case we are wondering about the effectiveness of our Lenten prayers and penances, this story teaches that they work.
 Jonah is upset that he looks like a fool, or like the weatherman who predicts a storm that doesn't materialize. He pouts and seeks shelter from the sun under a large plant, which eventually withers and leaves him unprotected. God reminds him that HE is in charge, and that Jonah must bow to God's way.  A very hard lesson, as well we know when it comes our turn to be "taught."  Persistence during our Lenten days, trust, obedience and humility, will help us be renewed and bear fruit that will last.
Bro. Rene