In the first reading today, we read how Yahweh calls Jonah the second time. This time Jonah makes no objection and surrenders to God's call. He travels to Nineveh and proclaims God's word. When the king hears about Jonah message of repentance, he immediately announces that everyone in the land should "turn" from their evil ways. The people, in turn, respond to the king's call. As a result, Yahweh "repents" from punishing them.

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus compares himself to Jonah. Like Jonah, Jesus also has a message of salvation. He calls the people to heed his message and to repent. Instead, the people ask for a sign. They want proof that Jesus' power is from God and not from the devil. As a result, Jesus warns them that his power, faith and repentance will be taken away from them and given to others who are far off. On the day of judgement, these people, the new Ninevites, would rise and condemn the people of Israel for failing to recognise in Jesus something greater than Jonah.

This Lent, are we listening to Jesus' message and desiring to "turn" from our sins? Or are we, like the Jews of Jesus' time, still waiting for a sign from God before we repent? Remember, Jesus himself is the sign. We cannot just take his message of salvation for granted or wait for a sign before we "turn" back to God. It may be too late!