God calls the reluctant Jonah to preach repentance to the Ninevites. Jonah expected that God would inflict punishment on them. He complains of God’s mercy when they convert. God is merciful to all. He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. “Be merciful, just as the Father is merciful” (Lk 6:35-36). Our responses could either remove evils that defile creation or perpetuate evils in the world. We are called to show divine mercy to hateful people. Our parishes and communities comprise of diverse members. Some family members had cast aspersions and made disparaging statements against me and other family members. It even undermined my position in the business. Initially I wanted to hurt them in my anger, pain, and fear. Yet the Lord reminded me of his fatherhood over all. He asks us to imitate his mercy and forgiveness. My heart was changed and I wished blessings on them through my tears. May anger, pain and fear, be driven away by Jesus’ love, peace and joy.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we imitate your divine mercy. Amen.