In the first reading today, we read about Yahweh’s second call to Jonah. This time Jonah makes no objection. He surrenders to God’s call. When Jonah preaches to the people of Nineveh, conversion takes place.

Infact, the response of the Ninevites contain a key word of conversion, “turn”. The king proclaims that everyone should “turn” from their evil ways.

In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus comparing himself to Jonah. Jesus too, has a message of salvation, if the people will only heed it and “turn”. However, what the people want is a sign, to prove that Jesus’ power is not demonic but from God. As such, Jesus warns them that they would see Jesus’ power and compassion move away from them to others who were afar off. On the day of judgement, these new Ninevites, who recognised in Jesus something greater than Jonah, would arise to condemn them.

During this Season of Lent, we constantly hear Jesus calling us to heed his message of salvation and to “turn” from sin. Are we truly hearing his message? Do we sincerely desire to “turn” from sin? Or are we waiting for a sign from him, before we repent of those areas in our lives that are displeasing to God?

Jesus himself is the sign. Let us not take his message of salvation for granted or wait for another sign before we “turn” back to God. Now is the time to repent!