Today's Gospel reading is the familiar story of Mary and Martha, where Jesus says, "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him. Will we choose the better part?
In our first reading we continue the story of Jonah. Jonah relented and went into Nineveh preaching a message of repentance. The king and the people got the message and they repented. And so did God - he changed his mind.
Every parent has had to warn a child: if you keep doing the wrong thing you will be punished. But if you stop and start doing the right thing, you won't be punished. Parents do this out of love. And so does God. God doesn't want to punish anyone. But if we refuse to repent and change our ways, be assured that God is a God of his word. The same is true when we repent. His mercy awaits.
Father, we repent of our own wickedness. Have mercy on us, as you did for the people of Nineveh. Amen.
A Minute in the Church: Back to the Basics, the newest book in the A Minute in the Church series will be available October 22. Please pray for this important evangelization effort!
0 comments