Wednesday 25 February 2026. Readings: Jonah 3:1-10, Ps. 51:3-4,12-13,18-19, Luke 11:29-32
“The people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.” (Jonah 3:4-6)
In the Old Testament, God sent several prophets to preach repentance. Almost all these prophets were ignored, mocked and even persecuted. Jesus noted this in the parable about the ungrateful tenants who treated the servants sent by the landowner to collect his share of the vineyard’s produce shamefully. Noah preached repentance for 100 years; only his immediate family agreed to enter the Ark, but Jonah preached for 3 days and succeeded in bringing a whole nation to its knees. What was unique about Jonah’s preaching, and why was it highly effective?
1. Jonah’s Life was a Sign: Hearing about his attempt to run from God only to end up in the belly of a great fish was a sign to the people of Nineveh that there is no hiding place from God. They wondered what would happen to them if they behaved like Jonah. Jonah did not need to say much because his story preceded him. This reminds me of the popular saying often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.” The most powerful sermons are unspoken. As a preacher, my life is either a boost or a hindrance to God’s Word.
2. Jonah’s Message was Urgent: Jonah did not preach repentance; He only announced that in forty days, Nineveh would be destroyed. The people of Nineveh realised that it was either “now or never.” From the greatest to the least, they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth. If we know we have a limited time, we tend to act faster and procrastinate less. Every morning, upon waking, I say, “Today is my last day; if I don’t repent now, I will never get a second chance.”
3. Jonah Preached a Message of Doom: Jonah did not try to paint or sugarcoat the truth; he was not interested in gathering followers but in obeying the voice of God. Despite the moral decadence in our society, many preachers avoid the truth. In many places, church services are organised to entertain and encourage donations. We live in the age St. Paul was referring to when he said: “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
4. Jonah Addressed the Grassroots: We point fingers at our leaders, forgetting they are the products of our collective sinfulness. Jonah, like John the Baptist, did not begin his preaching in the king’s palace. He addressed the people first. Repentance must begin with the people. Instead of raining curses on our leaders, let us look inwards, let us be the change. If we all decide, henceforth as a people, to shun our vices, our leaders will have no choice but to follow suit. When the king heard that the people were fasting, he made it mandatory. Our society is destroyed not only by corrupt public officials but also by the millions of followers who support, encourage, and benefit from this corruption.
5. Jonah Did Not Work Miracles: Like the crowd in our Gospel passage, many Christians today have reduced their worship of God to a quest for miracles. Jesus referred to such persons as an “evil generation.” Those looking for miracles are only interested in “using” God. Should they get the miracles they seek, it never translates to repentance. Like the towns of Bethsaida and Chorazin, we are all beneficiaries of God’s divine intervention; we have all received answers to our prayers at some point. Why are we stuck in our sins? Do we need more miracles? Do we need to see Jesus Christ face-to-face? Do we need someone to rise from the dead again? Is the sign of the cross not enough?
Let us pray: Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those who by self-denial are restrained in body may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of the 1st week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Jonah 3:1-10, Ps. 51:3-4,12-13,18-19, Luke 11:29-32)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu