The God of Second Chances: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

"Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful." Joel 2:12-13

The story of Jonah (Jonah 3:1-10) is one that I have told to children many times over the years. It isn't just a story about his running from God and being swallowed by a large fish. It is not just about Nineveh’s repentance. This is a story about God’s endless mercy toward everyone, including Jonah. Jonah runs away from God’s call, but God gives him a second chance. Nineveh is a city of great sin, but God extends his hand in forgiveness when they turn back to him.

In Luke 11:29-32, Jesus calls out those who are demanding signs from him. He reminds them of the Ninevites who repented at Jonah’s simple preaching. The message is clear: God does not withhold mercy, but we must open our hearts to receive it.

Both the text from Jonah and Luke highlight a something we often forget: God is more eager to forgive than we are to ask for forgiveness.

The Lost Art of Kindness

Jonah didn’t think the Ninevites deserved mercy. Maybe we also struggle with offering kindness and forgiveness to certain people. Maybe we carry resentment, thinking, “They don’t deserve my kindness after what they did.”

But here’s the thing: God’s mercy is not just for us, it is for everyone. If we have received kindness from God, how can we refuse to pass it on?

Kindness is often mistaken for weakness, but it is the greatest strength. It takes courage to forgive, humility to listen, and love to extend grace.

Lent is a time to ask ourselves:

Am I willing to give a second chance as God does?
Do I let past hurts keep me from being kind?
Can I let go of judgment and choose mercy instead?

Spiritual Thought

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was a bishop, theologian and spiritual writer known for guiding souls. He was the bishop of Geneva at a time when the city was deeply divided by the Protestant Reformation. He worked tirelessly trying to bring people back to the Catholic faith through kindness, patience and dialoge rather than with force. He wrote:

"Always treat others as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of being."

Seeing the good in others and treating them with kindness helps them become their best selves. During our Lent journey, let us try to treat others with kindness, encouragement, patience and love.

Pray

"Lord, help me to love with Your heart. Teach me to be kind, even when it’s hard. Let me see others not as they are, but as You see them—with infinite mercy. Amen."