Scripture:
Reflection:
In our first reading Jonah is telling the Ninevites that if they don’t repent Nineveh will be destroyed. (Jonah 3:1-3) The people of Nineveh didn’t want to be destroyed so they repented. What is your image of God? When very young I thought God was a judge ready to punish me (much like the Ninevites) and I could avoid punishment by jumping through various “I am sorry” hoops.
In high school, God was a super-duper study buddy. I would not study very hard throughout the semester but come final exam time: “Ok God, you and me, get me good grades.” Today, I am relationship-focused seeking God and Jesus as my friends that I take time to talk with.
St. Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists shares the meaning of prayer:
“Prayer is accessible to us in every moment of every day. It is our immediate connection with a God who is both transcendent and immanent. Prayer can be verbal, meditative, or contemplative. We can pray with our whole body through movement, ritual actions or by serving others.”
(~St. Paul of the Cross to Sister Maria Cherubina Bresciani, May 31, 1740)
“Be still and know that I am God”. (Psalm 46:10)
Lent is a time to renew and intensify our relationship with Jesus. Let us take time out of the busyness of our daily lives and spend 15 minutes talking with our God or in silence just being. You can pray while jogging or walking or just being still sitting and enjoying the silence. How much time daily are you willing to enhance your relationship with God this Lent?
Carl Middleton is a theologian/ethicist and a member of the Passionist Family.