It is 25th February 2015. The Readings are from Jonah 3:1-10 and the Gospel from Lk. 11:29-32. The first reading offers the importance of repentance. As the Ninevites repented, so we are expected to repent. Repentance changes God, and His mercy could be experienced through our personal repentance. Preaching repentance is not a desirable assignment. Jonah was assigned by God to preach. People responded. Are we open to the message of God during this Lent? People of Nineveh heard the call of repentance once and responded immediately unlike the stubborn people of Israel who listened repeatedly not ready to change. God is not pleased with our attentive listening to the Word of God rather He is pleased with our response. Repentance is the only response to the call of God. Repentance brings a new view on God and promises forgiveness of God (Jer. 18:7- 8). God does not want to take revenge on us. He is so much interested in our change of heart towards Him. The Responsorial Psalm insists on the same repentance, “A humbled, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.” (Ps.50:19). The Gospel suggests that Jesus is the sign to whom we need to respond. We have ample opportunities to know Jesus than the people of the past. Jesus invites us to repent and be part of the kingdom of God. Lent is the time to repent. Refusing to repent is just like being indifferent to God’s invitation. May we take this time of personal conversion seriously and respond to God. May God bless you.