The story of Jonah is a famous one. When God called Jonah the first time, he ran away, boarded a ship from which he was later thrown overboard into the sea, swallowed and later, spat out by a large fish. When God called him the second time, this time Jonah makes no objection and surrenders himself to God. The story goes on to state how Jonah travelled to Nineveh and preached the destruction of the city if the people did not repent from their evil ways. After hearing the message, the king and the people "repent." They realised they were given an opportunity by God to "turn" their lives around and they did. As a result, God does not inflict on the city the destruction he had threatened.

As we enter into the first week of Lent, it is important that we are clearly aware that we too have been give an opportunity to "repent" and "turn" back to God with our whole heart. Some of us could miss this opportunity by thinking that since Lent is an annual affair and will come again next year, we still have time to "repent". Others may miss the opportunity by waiting for a 'real' sign from God before "turning" their lives around. However, Jesus makes it clear that the only "sign" we will receive is the message that Jonah proclaimed to the people of Nineveh, that is, "to repent". Indeed, we are reminded by Jesus that the time to "repent" is now! Let us not take the message of Jesus for granted. Even tomorrow may be too late.