25 February, Wednesday — Change is difficult

Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent

Jon 3:1-10
Lk 11:29-32

“…there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Back when I was a young adult, I underwent what one might term a transformation of a certain aspect of myself. Over the years that I spent in school, I had been wondering about friends’ responses to things that I said. They sometimes appeared uncomfortable or unwilling to carry on the conversation, and I was not sufficiently perceptive or self-aware to pinpoint the problem. I had received feedback that I sounded rude and arrogant, but I did not know how exactly to change and improve. A major turning point for me came in university, when a friend cared enough to tell me directly that the words I used made her feel hurt. Not wanting to hurt those around me, I started to review the exchanges that I had with people on a daily basis, going over the words I uttered and imagining how I would feel if I were the recipient of those words. It was a tedious exercise, but eventually, I did learn to tone down my innate sarcasm and improve the way that I spoke to others.

While the call to repentance is clear in today’s gospel reading, true transformation is often easier said than done. Generally, people resist change, often because of the effort that is required to make that change within themselves. The reason to make that change might also not feel compelling enough. While the spirit might be willing, the flesh is often weak, prompting people to seek signs that they believe will give them fresh motivation to act. But Jesus has already risen and Christianity has been spreading His word for the past two millennia. What other signs do we actually need?

There is no better time than Lent to willingly enter the belly of the fish. Similar to Jonah who was led by God to a time of reflection and repentance from his sins of disobedience and pride, let this Lent be a time and space where we consciously free ourselves from distractions and illusions of control. We can then confront what needs to die within us, and trust that God can bring forth something new. Transformation is difficult and sometimes, even painful, but it is never beyond the reach of grace.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Edith Koh)

Prayer: We pray for the courage to enter our own “belly of the fish” this Lent and confront the darkness in our selves. May we be open to your cleansing love and grace as we seek a new life in you.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks for the signs that have been given to us — for the Resurrection, for the gift of Lent, and for the people placed in our lives to guide and correct us.