Repent!

Simply put - change and repent.

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.-Luke11:29-32

A long time ago, Nineveh was perhaps a wicked place. Nobody knows exactly what the Ninevites did, but God wanted to destroy it unless the people repent. Jonah came with a mission from God, telling the Ninevites to repent and to hope that God will change His mind. God indeed changed His mind upon seeing the repentance of each and every creature. Today, the prophets of the Old and Jesus continue in crying out, "Repent!" But we are not listening at all. More and more unspeakable sinfulness and debaucheries are happening everyday. Change is not for some people only, but for all. Let us change before it is too late.

Image courtesy: artist

The signs are everywhere

The signs are everywhere!

29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.-Luke11:29-32

We all know the story of Jonah. He was chosen for a mission. But for whatever reason, he tried to escape.

 But during a violent sea storm while escaping in a boat, something happened. He asked to be thrown into the sea where immediately the storm calmed down. Meanwhile, a large fish swallowed Jonah where he stayed for three days and three nights. After praying and embracing his mission, God commanded that the fish spew Jonah out. Then he went to Nineveh and prophesied that unless they change, their city will be destroyed after 40 days. Everybody repented - from the king to the animals. God was touched and changed His mind. He withdrew His anger from the people of Nineveh.

Our world is like a modern day Nineveh, Sodom and Gomorrah. The sins of the past are here again. But these sins are 'beautifully and carefully' packaged (sic) as essential to economic growth, business expansion, depopulation strategy, peace and so much more (sic). Are we living in a peaceful world that encourages making nuclear and biochemical weapons? We cry and lament over soldiers that are beheaded, tortured and incarcerated.

But do we cry when innocent babies are aborted and killed? We cry and lament over the ill effects of drugs, cigarettes and liquors to ourselves and loved ones. But why is it that there is a move to legitimize drugs in other countries? Why is it that cigarette smoking and drinking of liquors are still portrayed as cool stuff? The world no longer care about virginity and purity to such an extent that people go naked and even encouraged sexually-themed ads, commercials, and the like.

But Jesus is here and cries in a loud voice, "Repent!" Everyday He shouts, "Repent! Change your ways!"

Everyday the Blessed Mother sheds tears for us. But what are we doing? Why are we stone-hearted? Why can't we heed to this invitation of change?

Thanks for the images!