Giving Witness Under God's Watchful Eyes

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 21, 2024

Readings: Jonah 3:1–5,10; Psalm 25:4–9; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Mark 1:14–20

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/wRjxIzy4-w8?si=YJ5RTT6usuhklc2Z

Often, we want our will to be done. We are also certain that our thinking is perfect and that there are no errors possible in such planning. Due to such thinking, any sort of unexpected thing happening to us is considered bad. Instead of accepting what comes our way and trying our best to do everything possible to bring glory to God, we choose the other way. As a result, we fall into unnecessary desolations, frustrations, unhappiness, anxiety, fear, and disinterestedness in life. When we look at the liturgical readings of this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we tend to think that God's ways are marvelous. Man chooses one and God chooses the other. Prophet Jonah is the best example before us. So too, was the life of the early disciples of Jesus, who began to tread unknown paths with Jesus. 

1. Divine Mercy and Second Chances under God's Watchful Eyes

Jonah 3:1–5,10 in the Bible tells the fascinating story of Jonah's second call to prophesy to the city of Nineveh and the repentance of the Ninevites. A man who ran away from taking up the prophecy comes back and takes up an even harder job than the first. Because he went through horrific experiences and realized that God is with him in good and bad.  The fact that God gave Jonah a second chance to deliver His message to Nineveh reflects the divine attribute of mercy as well as his own chance to survive the close surveillance of God. The story is a beautiful reminder to us that no matter how we may have resisted or failed in the past, God is always willing to give us another opportunity to fulfill His purpose. It's a call for us to recognize and appreciate the boundless mercy of God in our lives.

Jonah's initial disobedience and subsequent obedience underscore the importance of aligning ourselves with God's will. In other words, we must be prepared to allow God to come into our lives when He wishes. The more barriers we put, the more desperate, we become, causing a lot of mental and physical suffering to us. We might say, when we recite, the "Our Father in Heaven.." prayer, "Let Thy will be done" but in reality, we do otherwise. Despite Jonah's reluctance, when he finally followed God's command, he witnessed the transformative power of obedience. When God's call is challenging or inconvenient, we must say "Yes" to the Lord and show a willingness to obey God's instructions. 

2. Obedience to God's Will with Prophetic Witness and Responsibility:

Jonah's role as a prophet highlights the responsibility and what it entails when such a divine message reaches the person. Prophets are called to be instruments of God's communication and transformation. Every baptized Christian has to play the role of prophet in his or her own way based on one's gifts and talents, strengths, and stamina. We have every role to take up to be witnesses and messengers of God's truth in our communities and in the world. As a prophet, the call of God urges us to share the message of repentance and reconciliation, peace and inclusivity.

Often, we have the tendency to believe, "It's impossible to achieve such a target." Looking at the reality of Ninevites, Prophet Jonah felt the same. We must understand no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. The Ninevites, despite their wickedness, turned from their evil ways and sought forgiveness. The mercy of  God is extended to all, inviting us to repentance and a transformed life. God does not bring destruction but transformation. God does not need our death but life, not lethargy, but a renewed vigour and life in God. 

3. Urgency in the Mission of God

Mark 1:14–20 records a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus, where He begins His public proclamation of the kingdom of God and calls His first disciples. The passage begins with Jesus declaring, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand." This emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of God's kingdom breaking into human history through the person of Jesus. God's call is always active. He invites us to do His mission not in slow motion or procrastination. God sees the need for humanity to act actively and quickly. It does not mean, He enslaves us, instead, He liberates us and gives us freedom to be active participants in His work. 

The invitation of Jesus to his disciples was to live in active faith with a sense of trust and reliance on God and God alone. This entails a challenge to continually examine our lives, turn toward God, and place our trust in Him.  Jesus' choice of fishermen as His first disciples carries symbolic significance. Fishermen are skilled in the art of patience, persistence, and cooperation. Being "fishers of men," the disciples of Jesus will have to work with men and women, people of culture and power. The response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John is not only immediate but a significant and radical shift in priorities and with a readiness to an ongoing journey of learning, growth, and deepening relationship with Christ. May we also grow in the same stature as the first disciples of Jesus.

Questions for self-reflection

1. How am I actively experiencing and appreciating the boundless mercy of God in my life?
2. In what ways am I currently aligning myself with God's will in my thoughts, actions, and decisions?
3. How ready am I to respond promptly when I sense God calling me into a new season or mission?

Prayer inspired by Psalm 25

Gracious and Loving Father,

In the quiet moments of my heart, I lift my soul to You, the One who guides and instructs. Teach me Your ways, O Lord, and lead me in Your truth. For I trust in Your unfailing love and seek Your wisdom for the journey ahead. Forgive my shortcomings, and remember not the mistakes of my past. Show me the paths of righteousness, and grant me the humility to follow Your will.

May Your mercy surround me, O God, as I navigate the challenges of life. Open my eyes to discern Your presence in every circumstance, and may Your grace be my constant companion. I entrust my life into Your hands, acknowledging that You are my strength and my salvation. May my life be a reflection of Your glory, and may Your name be praised now and forever. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

18 January 2024