The Call to Repentance: A Change of Heart Leads to Mercy

Have you ever received a warning that changed your course of action—perhaps a wake-up call that made you rethink your choices? Today’s readings remind us that God, in His infinite mercy, calls us to repentance not to condemn us, but to save us. The story of Jonah and the Ninevites, the heartfelt plea of the psalmist, and Jesus’ words to the crowd all point to the same truth: God’s mercy is always available, but it requires a response from us.

The historical and cultural context of these readings deepens their meaning. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was a notoriously wicked city—an enemy of Israel. Yet, when Jonah reluctantly preached God’s message, the entire city repented, from the king to the cattle! This radical turnaround reveals that God’s mercy extends beyond Israel, embracing even those once thought unredeemable. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, recognizing that true repentance is not about empty sacrifices but about a contrite, humbled heart. In the Gospel, Jesus invokes Jonah’s story to rebuke His generation, warning that the Ninevites, who repented at Jonah’s simple preaching, will stand in judgment over those who refuse to believe in Him—the one who is far greater than Jonah.

God is speaking to us just as He spoke to the Ninevites and to those in Jesus’ time. He is always inviting us to turn back, to let go of our sins, and to seek His mercy. The question is, will we recognize the opportunity before us, or will we, like the people in Jesus’ time, demand more signs while ignoring the one standing in front of us?

First Reading – Jonah 3:1-10

The Power of Repentance: A City Saved by Mercy

The story of Jonah and Nineveh is one of the most striking examples of God’s mercy in the Old Testament. The Book of Jonah, though short, carries immense theological weight—it reveals God’s universal call to repentance, extending beyond Israel to even the most wicked of nations. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was known for its brutality and sinfulness, making Jonah’s mission all the more remarkable. Assyrians were enemies of Israel, yet God chose to send a prophet to offer them a chance at salvation. Jonah initially resisted this call, fleeing in the opposite direction, but after his time in the belly of the great fish—a symbolic death and resurrection—he finally obeyed. Today’s reading captures the moment when Jonah delivers God’s warning to Nineveh, leading to an extraordinary act of collective repentance. This story prefigures Christ’s own mission, as Jesus Himself draws a parallel between Jonah and His call to conversion in today’s Gospel. God’s justice is real, but so is His mercy—for those who turn to Him with sincere hearts.

Jonah 3
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Jonah’s Obedience and the Ninevites’ Repentance. ¹ The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ² Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you. ³ So Jonah set out for Nineveh, in accord with the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an awesomely great city; it took three days to walk through it. ⁴ Jonah began his journey through the city, and when he had gone only a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” ⁵ the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.
⁶ When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. ⁷ Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh: “By decree of the king and his nobles, no man or beast, no cattle or sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. ⁸ Man and beast alike must be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; they all must turn from their evil way and from the violence of their hands. ⁹ Who knows? God may again repent and turn from his blazing wrath, so that we will not perish.” ¹⁰ When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1-2 – “The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.”
This marks Jonah’s second calling, after his initial disobedience and miraculous rescue. God does not abandon Jonah despite his reluctance. This moment reflects God’s patience—not only with the prophet but with all who resist His call.

Verse 3 – “So Jonah set out for Nineveh, in accord with the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an awesomely great city; it took three days to walk through it.”
Nineveh’s size is emphasized to illustrate the magnitude of Jonah’s task. The journey through such a vast city suggests the far-reaching nature of God’s mercy. Even the most wicked and seemingly unreachable people are within His grasp.

Verse 4 – “Jonah began his journey through the city, and when he had gone only a single day’s walk announcing, ‘Forty days more and Nineveh shall be overthrown,’”
Jonah’s message is strikingly brief. Unlike other prophets who deliver long discourses, Jonah simply proclaims destruction in forty days. The number forty is significant in Scripture—it symbolizes a time of trial, purification, and renewal, seen in the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus’ forty days in the desert (Luke 4:2).

Verse 5 – “The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.”
Astonishingly, the Ninevites do not resist or scoff at Jonah’s message. Instead, they immediately believe and act, demonstrating a model of true repentance. Fasting and wearing sackcloth were common signs of mourning and humility before God.

Verse 6-7 – “When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh: ‘By decree of the king and his nobles, no man or beast, no cattle or sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water.’”
The king’s response is dramatic—he humbles himself entirely. His decree extends even to animals, emphasizing the totality of the city’s repentance. This contrasts with many leaders throughout Scripture who hardened their hearts against God’s warnings.

Verse 8-9 – “Man and beast alike must be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; they all must turn from their evil way and from the violence of their hands. Who knows? God may again repent and turn from his blazing wrath, so that we will not perish.”
The king acknowledges that their fate depends on God’s mercy. There is no presumption of forgiveness, only hope. This mirrors the attitude Jesus calls for in His followers—humble trust in God’s mercy rather than entitlement.

Verse 10 – “When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.”
God responds to genuine repentance. This does not imply that God changes His mind as humans do, but rather, it shows that His justice and mercy are perfectly balanced. His desire is always to forgive, but He waits for sincere conversion.

Teachings

This passage powerfully illustrates God’s universal call to repentance, a teaching central to both the Old and New Testaments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) affirms that “God is patient… not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance” (CCC 1037, quoting 2 Peter 3:9). Nineveh’s salvation foreshadows Christ’s mission—to bring all people, even the most lost, back to God. The Ninevites’ response is an example of the type of conversion Jesus calls for: not mere words, but a transformation of the heart and actions.

Saint John Chrysostom, reflecting on this passage, says, “See the goodness of God! The Ninevites repented for a short time, and God immediately forgave them. But we, who have the Gospel, hesitate and delay our repentance”. This is a sobering reminder that those who have received Christ’s message should respond even more swiftly than the Ninevites. Jesus Himself warns in today’s Gospel that the men of Nineveh will rise in judgment against those who refuse to repent (Luke 11:32).

Historically, this reading reminds us of the power of public penance. In the early Church, Lent was a time of visible repentance, similar to the sackcloth and fasting of the Ninevites. Even today, fasting and acts of penance during Lent echo their response. The Church teaches that true repentance is not about external actions alone but about a contrite heart, as Psalm 51 says: “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit” (Psalm 51:12).

Reflection

The Ninevites heard a single sentence from Jonah and repented immediately. Yet, how often do we resist God’s call, even when we have the fullness of His revelation in Christ? This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we waiting for a dramatic sign before we truly turn to God? Or are we willing to listen and respond as the Ninevites did? What areas of your life is God calling you to change today?

Lent is a perfect time to embrace this call to repentance. True conversion is not about fear of punishment but about responding to God’s mercy. The Ninevites changed their ways, not just their appearances. Likewise, we are called not only to confess our sins but to live differently. Are there habits, relationships, or distractions keeping you from fully embracing God’s mercy?

This story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. If God can forgive Nineveh, He can forgive us. But we must take that first step. The king of Nineveh humbled himself before God—will we do the same? Will we put aside pride and embrace the mercy waiting for us in the confessional, in prayer, and in a renewed heart?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

A Contrite Heart: The True Sacrifice

Few passages in Scripture express the depth of human repentance as powerfully as Psalm 51. Known as the Miserere, this psalm is traditionally attributed to King David after his grave sin with Bathsheba and his subsequent confrontation by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12). It is a heartfelt plea for mercy, a recognition of sin, and an acknowledgment that only God can restore a broken heart. The psalm was used in Israelite liturgical practices, particularly in moments of collective repentance, and remains central in the Church today, especially during Lent and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Its message aligns perfectly with today’s readings: true repentance is not about external actions alone, but about an interior conversion that seeks God’s mercy. Just as the Ninevites expressed their sorrow through fasting and sackcloth, the psalmist recognizes that the sacrifice God truly desires is a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

³ Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
    in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
⁴ Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
    and from my sin cleanse me.

¹² A clean heart create for me, God;
    renew within me a steadfast spirit.
¹³ Do not drive me from before your face,
    nor take from me your holy spirit.

¹⁸ For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;
    a burnt offering you would not accept.
¹⁹ My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
    a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 3 – “Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.”
This verse sets the tone of the entire psalm: a plea for divine mercy. The Hebrew word for mercy here (ḥesed) denotes God’s steadfast, covenantal love. The psalmist does not appeal to personal merit but to God’s nature as compassionate and forgiving. This echoes the Ninevites’ hope that God might relent if they repented.

Verse 4 – “Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me.”
The imagery of cleansing is significant. Ritual purification was central in Jewish worship, but here, the psalmist acknowledges that the cleansing he needs is not external but internal. Sin is not just an action; it stains the soul, and only God can purify it. This aligns with the call to true repentance seen in the other readings.

Verse 12 – “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.”
This verse is one of the most quoted lines of the psalm, capturing the essence of repentance. The psalmist asks not just for forgiveness but for transformation—a new heart. The word “create” (bara) is the same used in Genesis 1:1, implying that only God can bring about this kind of renewal. This mirrors the transformation of the Ninevites, who did not simply regret their actions but changed their ways.

Verse 13 – “Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit.”
The greatest fear of the psalmist is separation from God. Sin distances us from Him, but repentance restores our relationship. The mention of the “holy spirit” foreshadows the New Testament understanding of grace.

Verse 18 – “For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it; a burnt offering you would not accept.”
This is a radical statement in an era when sacrifices were a primary means of worship. The psalmist acknowledges that outward rituals mean nothing without inner conversion. This challenges a purely legalistic faith and calls for authentic repentance, just as Jesus does in today’s Gospel.

Verse 19 – “My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.”
This verse summarizes the entire psalm and ties into the theme of today’s readings. God desires humility and sincerity, not empty gestures. The Ninevites demonstrated this truth by repenting from the heart, and God responded with mercy.

Teachings

The Catechism repeatedly affirms that true repentance involves both sorrow for sin and a firm resolve to change. “Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil” (CCC 1431). This perfectly aligns with Psalm 51, where the psalmist seeks not only forgiveness but a new heart. The Ninevites also embodied this principle by responding to Jonah’s call with true conversion, not just external rituals.

Saint Augustine, reflecting on this psalm, writes: “Do not hold onto your sins as if they define you; rather, let them bring you to repentance, so that God may define you anew.” This highlights an essential truth: repentance is not about dwelling on past failures but about opening ourselves to God’s transformative mercy. This is why Psalm 51 is often prayed before confession—it expresses the proper disposition for receiving God’s grace.

Historically, this psalm played a central role in the Church’s penitential practices. It was sung by monks in the Liturgy of the Hours, prayed during acts of public penance in the early Church, and remains a key component of Lauds in the Divine Office today. Its words remind us that the path to reconciliation is always open, but we must first acknowledge our need for it. This is what Jesus emphasizes in the Gospel: those who seek signs while refusing to repent will miss the opportunity for salvation.

Reflection

Psalm 51 speaks to all of us. We all sin, we all fall short, and we all need God’s mercy. But the question is, do we seek it sincerely? The Ninevites repented after hearing just a few words from Jonah, but how often do we delay repentance, making excuses or waiting for a more convenient time? Do we truly desire a clean heart, or are we holding onto certain sins or habits because we’re afraid to change?

This psalm challenges us to go beyond superficial repentance. True contrition means not only feeling sorry but committing to a change. This is why confession is so powerful—it allows us to verbalize our sins, receive absolution, and move forward renewed. When was the last time you went to confession with a heart like the psalmist’s—truly contrite and eager for transformation?

Finally, Psalm 51 reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our failures. No sin is too great for His forgiveness. If David, after adultery and murder, could receive mercy, and if Nineveh, a city of corruption, could be spared, then we, too, can be made new. Are you willing to humble yourself before God today and ask for His mercy with a sincere heart?

Holy Gospel – Luke 11:29-32

The Sign of Jonah: A Call to True Repentance

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are a sharp rebuke to His generation. The people around Him demanded a sign—some dramatic proof of His divine authority—yet they failed to recognize that the greatest sign stood before them. Jesus compares their stubbornness to that of Nineveh, a pagan city that repented at Jonah’s simple preaching, and to the Queen of Sheba, who traveled far to seek Solomon’s wisdom. By invoking these examples, Christ reveals a sobering truth: God’s call to repentance is clear, but hearts hardened by pride and unbelief will miss it.

The Gospel of Luke was written for a primarily Gentile audience, emphasizing Jesus as the universal Savior. Here, Jesus uses Old Testament figures to show that even non-Israelites—people with far less revelation—recognized God’s wisdom and repented when called. In contrast, His own generation, despite witnessing His miracles and teachings, remained blind. This passage fits seamlessly with today’s theme: God’s mercy is available, but it requires a response. Those who refuse to repent will face judgment, not because God is unwilling to forgive, but because they close their hearts to His grace.

Luke 11:29-32
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

²⁹ While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. ³¹ At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. ³² At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 29 – “While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.’”
The crowd’s desire for a sign reflects a deeper spiritual blindness. Despite the miracles Jesus had already performed, they refused to believe. Faith based on signs alone is not true faith (John 20:29). The “sign of Jonah” refers both to Jonah’s call to repentance and to his three days in the belly of the fish, a foreshadowing of Christ’s death and resurrection (Matthew 12:40).

Verse 30 – “Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”
Jonah himself was the sign—his survival and preaching led Nineveh to conversion. Jesus, far greater than Jonah, is the ultimate sign, yet many reject Him. His life, death, and resurrection are the definitive call to repentance, but only those with open hearts will recognize it.

Verse 31 – “At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.”
The Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13) traveled a great distance to seek wisdom from Solomon, demonstrating a sincere pursuit of truth. In contrast, those in Jesus’ time had access to God’s wisdom in the flesh and still rejected it. The comparison highlights the tragic irony: Gentiles of the past sought God with eagerness, while those in Jesus’ time took His presence for granted.

Verse 32 – “At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
This is a striking warning: the people of Nineveh—pagans who repented at Jonah’s preaching—will stand in judgment over those who refused Christ. Repentance is the key to salvation, and those who reject it have no excuse. Jesus’ superiority to Jonah emphasizes the urgency of His call. If Nineveh repented at a reluctant prophet’s message, how much more should we repent at the words of the Son of God?

Teachings

The Catechism teaches that “repentance is not just about feeling sorry for sin, but a conversion of heart, a turning away from sin and toward God” (CCC 1431). The Ninevites exemplified this conversion. They did not demand signs but responded immediately to Jonah’s message. Jesus calls us to the same readiness—His resurrection is the ultimate sign, and yet, like the people in today’s Gospel, many still resist His call.

Saint John Henry Newman reflects on this passage, saying, “A humble heart sees God in all things; a proud heart sees nothing, even when God stands before him”. This speaks to the spiritual blindness Jesus condemns. Those who are too proud to acknowledge their need for repentance will always demand more proof, yet never be satisfied. This is why humility is essential to faith. Without it, we risk becoming like those who rejected Christ despite His clear message.

Historically, the early Church saw the “sign of Jonah” as a powerful symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection. The Didache, one of the earliest Christian writings, urges believers to “live in a constant state of readiness, repenting daily, so that we may not be unprepared when the Lord comes”. The Ninevites acted on a single warning—how much more should we, who have the full revelation of Christ, take His words seriously?

Reflection

Jesus’ words are a challenge to us. The Ninevites repented after hearing just one prophet, and the Queen of Sheba sought wisdom with great effort. Yet, how often do we take God’s grace for granted? Do we demand signs from God before we trust Him? Do we hesitate to repent, waiting for the “right time” instead of acting now?

Lent is a season of repentance, a time to respond to God’s call without delay. Like the Ninevites, we must not only acknowledge our sins but take concrete steps to change. This means examining our hearts, confessing our sins, and seeking reconciliation with God. Are there areas in your life where you have been resisting repentance? What is holding you back from fully embracing Christ’s mercy today?

Finally, Jesus reminds us that faith requires humility. Those who seek endless signs often do so because they do not want to surrender control. But God has already given us the greatest sign—His Son. The only question left is, will we recognize Him and repent, or will we wait until it is too late?

A Heart Ready for Mercy

God’s message to us today is clear: His mercy is always available, but we must choose to respond. The Ninevites, despite their wickedness, repented at Jonah’s warning and were spared. The psalmist teaches us that true repentance is not about outward actions alone, but about a humble and contrite heart. Jesus, in the Gospel, reminds us that those who ignore God’s call will stand condemned—not because He refuses to forgive, but because they refuse to seek forgiveness.

This is a sobering yet hopeful reminder that God is always calling us back to Him. The people of Nineveh repented immediately—will we? The Queen of Sheba sought wisdom eagerly—do we seek Christ with the same zeal? God does not demand impossible things from us. He simply asks for a heart that is open, humble, and willing to turn away from sin. We do not need to wait for a dramatic sign; the greatest sign has already been given—Jesus Christ Himself.

Now is the time to act. Today’s readings invite us to reflect: Where is God calling me to repent? What habits, distractions, or sins am I holding onto? Am I delaying my conversion, waiting for another sign, when Jesus Himself is already calling me? Lent is the perfect season to respond. Let us not waste this opportunity. Turn to Him today, with a contrite heart, and He will renew you.

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear from you! How did today’s readings speak to your heart? Share your thoughts, prayers, or experiences in the comments below. Your reflection could inspire someone else on their faith journey!

Here are some questions to guide your reflection:

First Reading (Jonah 3:1-10): The people of Nineveh repented immediately after hearing Jonah’s warning. Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to change? What steps can you take today to respond to His call?

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19): The psalmist recognizes that true sacrifice is a humble and contrite heart. Do you approach God with true repentance, or do you sometimes rely on external actions without real conversion? How can you cultivate a sincere, contrite heart?

Gospel (Luke 11:29-32): Jesus warns that those who refuse to repent will face judgment. Are you waiting for a “sign” before taking your faith more seriously? How can you deepen your trust in God’s mercy today?

Let us go forward with open hearts, eager to embrace the mercy God so freely offers. Let us live each day with the love and humility that Jesus calls us to, seeking His presence in prayer, in the sacraments, and in acts of kindness toward others. May we never delay in turning back to the Lord, for He is always waiting for us with open arms!

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