A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. — Psalm 51:19b

Mass Readings: Jonah 3:1-10/Luke 11:29-32 

Without Delay 

As a procrastinator I never put off until tomorrow something I can put off even longer than that. One reason I procrastinate is my tendency to believe that when I tackle a project, things will go wrong or I’ll face some opposition. So if I postpone the project, those bad things won’t happen. 

That’s why I can identify with Jonah in today’s first reading. He doesn’t want to warn the Ninevites of their impending doom. In fact his procrastination and fear are why he spent three nights in the belly of that big fish (Jon 1:1—2:1). But when Jonah finally arrives in Nineveh, much to his surprise, the people listen to him and repent. I’ve had many similar surprises in my life. So why do I still prefer the fish’s belly? 

Prayer: Jonah, may your experience and example inspire me to act today.