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February 24, 2021Hope in the Face of Despair
Think on the seriously reluctant Jonah, having survived the fish's belly to then walk the enormous city, crying: "40 more days and Nineveh will be destroyed." How astounding that in the first day, the citizens, the king, took him seriously and repented with contrite hearts and formidable penances. And how Jesus, minced no words to the crowd; "This generation is an evil generation...there is something greater than Jonah here." Yet, many did not see.
Do we? It takes barely a moment to consider the suffering of billions of people worldwide, including millions of adults and helpless infants sacrificed; what evil in our generation! How does the Lord of love see this happening and stay His hand from destroying us? What penance can I do to make amends for evil of such horrendous proportion? Yet: "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful."
Ineffable mercy! "A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Our sorrowful hearts bow before your incomparable love. Steel us, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, to stay faithful to our Lenten resolutions, ever grateful for your passion and sacrifice, embracing the hope and promise of Resurrection.
