As we complete this first week of Lent, we are reminded in our readings about the significance of 40 days of fasting and reflecting. Certainly we have no expectation of putting on sackcloth and sitting in ashes, yet these 40 days of Lent provide an encouragement to reflect on our life and choices. It is amazing to me that when Jonah walked through Nineveh that the people listened and actually wanted to repent. But even more amazing is the fact that the king listened and directed all his people to repent and turn from their evil ways and violence. He recognized the need for them to honestly be sorry for their actions and ask for mercy and forgiveness. There was no guarantee but he proposed,
Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath,
so that we shall not perish.
The reading tells us that when God saw that by their actions how they turned from their evil way, He was merciful and did not destroy the city after all. It is important to note that it was not just words but real actions that testified to their turning from evil. It really made me think about the times I say I will do something differently, that I will be less judgmental or that I will be kinder to those who are not so nice to me. Yet, are my actions in line with my words?
The responsorial psalm continues to remind us that our God is merciful – that when our hearts are contrite and humble, we are forgiven. This forgiveness thing is still so difficult for me. Not the part about wanting forgiveness. It’s the part of really forgiving others that seems to be a huge challenge for me. How can I possibly expect more than I am willing to give? Perhaps, that is what my next 40 days (or what’s left of them) need to focus upon. Not the words of it but the real actions. I want to take the view of forgetting them and kicking the sand off my shoes rather than actual forgiveness for their hurtful actions to those I love. I will need much fortification to be able to accomplish it – my heart hardens rather than forgives when I see others hurting those most precious to me. It will take deliberate action to melt my heart and open it to forgiveness. But … I can take comfort in knowing a heart contrite and humbled. O God, will not be spurned. I am always loved and want to feel worthy of that love.
Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart
for I am gracious and merciful.
Of course, a tune for us to think about during Lent of how much we are loved.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
