MILLIONS CONVERT IN ONE DAY
“The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.” –Jonah 3:5
Mass Readings: March 8
First: Isaiah 65:17-21; Resp: Psalm 30:2,4-6,11-13; Gospel: John 4:43-54
One-hundred-and-twenty-thousand very wicked people converted to the Lord in one day through a one-sentence prophecy from Jonah, a vengeful, reluctant prophet. And we “have a greater than Jonah here” (Lk 11:32). We have Jesus, the Savior of the world, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Son of God. In fact, not only is Jesus greater than Jonah, but each Christian is greater than Jonah, for in Jesus we have been born into God’s kingdom (Mt 11:11). Furthermore, Jesus has promised that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He did (Jn 14:12).
Considering the “surpassing glory” of the new covenant (2 Cor 3:10), how many conversions can we realistically expect as we fast, pray, and sacrifice this Lenten day? Considering the ultimate love and power of one Mass, what world-changing effects should we expect to occur due to our participation in the Eucharist today?
The Lord wants us to live and pray in faith. Therefore, He doesn’t show us too much of the awesome effects of our lives in Him. Nevertheless, the fact is that the Lord is converting millions today. Jesus has given us the privilege of being a part of it by obeying Him in evangelizing, serving, praying, and fasting. Obey God. Be greater than Jonah, and do greater than Jesus.
PRAYER: Father, once again do more than I can ever ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).
PROMISE: “This is an evil age. It seeks a sign. But no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be a sign for the present age.” –Lk 11:29-30
PRAISE: St. John served those both physically and spiritually ill. When his hospital burned, he carried out all the patients through the flames, but no one was burned (see Is 43:2).
