+ We are reminded in our readings this morning of the exact nature of what the Lenten Season is all about: returning to the Lord with our whole heart because he is gracious and merciful.
In the gospel passage Jesus tells his disciples that the "sign of Jonah" – his preaching and the repentance of the people of Nineveh, as recorded in the first reading today from Jonah's own writings – is quite sufficient as the "sign" that the people of Jesus' day are looking for as a reason to turn from their present evil ways to the Lord, who is even moreso gracious and merciful – even moreso because with Jesus himself present and active in our redemption we have the greatest of all signs – greater than Jonah or even Solomon of old.
All it takes from us is a heart contrite and humbled. God will not spurn such a heart. May we pray for such a heart today – contrite, humbled and open to whatever blessings God would want to bestow on it this day of Lent.
A true conversion of heart disarms our defenses completely, it causes us to rely solely upon God to strengthen us and direct us according to his will and even directs us to say and do things that will match our insides with our outsides so that our lives can truly be a "sign" not only of who God is, merciful, gracious and generous, but who we really are as well, faithful servants and sons and daughters!
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful!
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