A New Day Dawns

01-24-2021Weekly Reflection© J. S. Paluch Company

Today we hear how Jonah, sent by God to warn the people, storms through the streets of Nineveh, scaring the citizens out of their wits. And it works! God has a change of heart, seeing “by their actions” how the people turn from evil (Jonah 3:10). A new day dawns.

Next we hear Paul telling the Corinthians, “The world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). He calls for a change of heart. Stopping short of telling them to stop carrying out their everyday activities, he urges them—rather mysteriously—to live “as though” they aren’t doing the things they are doing. A new day has dawned.

Finally, Jesus stands on the shore and cries, “The kingdom of God is at hand!” (Mark 1:14). Simon and Andrew abandon their nets—and even their father—and follow him. A new day had dawned.

Everyone has to change when a new day dawns: the Ninevites, the Corinthians, the apostles, even Jesus! Didn’t a new day dawn today for us as well?