Lenten Moments of Mercy: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent   Today’s reflection reminds us that we are only successful through the power of God.

Scripture “For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation.” Luke 11:30   Reflection In 1956 Jesuits from the Oregon Province and the Sisters of St. Ann formed a partnership to build a school for native Alaskan children. They recruited lay volunteers who built the school working in 70-below-zero temperatures in the Alaskan winter. This small beginning was the root of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. In the first reading we find the prophet Jonah intimidated by the task God has given to him. It took Jonah three days to walk through the “awesomely great” city of Nineveh, bringing the call for repentance (Jonah 3:3). Jonah’s reluctant testimony led to salvation for the city. In their small beginnings the founders of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps may have also wondered what was possible with the daunting task of proclaiming Christ to an indifferent world. But from their small beginnings, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps has become the largest Catholic full-time volunteer program. Over the years, more than 10,000 men and women have worked tirelessly for social justice, caring for communities throughout the world. The story of Jonah is that of a reluctant missionary who tried to flee the Lord, only to be pulled back in to make his way forward. As the first reading tells us, his half-hearted missionary effort was amazingly successful through the power of God. Volunteers in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps face their future with courage, recognizing in the Son of Man one greater than Jonah. They moved forward in hope to serve the Lord and the world.

Pope Francis “Am I capable of understanding the signs of the times and of being faithful to the voice of the Lord that is manifest in them?” Morning Meditation, 13 October 2014   Lenten Action ► Review the material on the Jesuit Volunteer Corps website to see one of the possibilities for the new evangelization. ► Pray with the Ignatian Workout for Lent online retreat by Tim Muldoon.   Prayer Lord, help us not to be reluctant when you call us to move out of ourselves in service to others.

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