Lessons from Johah

There are several important things to note in today's first reading from the prophet
Jonah.

This is the second time that God gave specific directions to Jonah, the prophet who
tried to sail away from the mission to announce the need for the citizens of
Nineveh to repent.

According to the story, Jonah is an Israelite prophet preaching to a pagan people,
who actually listen to what he has to say after but a single day's walk through
the city.

Everyone, including the king and his nobles and all the animals, fast, put on
sackcloth and repent of their evil ways!

And God shows mercy on a pagan city.

Here are the lessons to be learned:

First, each of us has a call from God who is relentless until we answer.

Second, sometimes we are sent by God to foreigners, those with whom we do not
socialize.

Third, God's word is effective; it changes people's minds.

And fourth, God is interested in all people-no matter what their religion, race or sex

Maybe, during Lent, we learn from Jonah
that when we cooperate with God, the Holy One
makes our work fruitful.

Both Jonah and the people of Nineveh repent or change their minds.