1st Reading: Jon 3:1-5,10
Under God's mercy, the preaching of the reluctant Jonah meets with an immediate response in the pagan city of Nineveh.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7:29-31
Under the example of a widow coping with bereavement, Paul proposes a level of detachment from the dear, familiar things which once tended to absorb us completely.

Gospel: Mt 1:14-20
"Repent, and believe in the good news." Jesus begins to spread his message and he calls his first disciples, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people."

Reflection
The readings of today call on us to take a critical look at our lives and put right what needs to be corrected. This is what is called repentance. Our repentance should be a complete turning away from evil to believe in the message of the gospel. St. Paul tells us that time is running out. Repentance involves more than a desire to move away from sin; it is actually a complete turning away from sin. We are thus called upon to straighten up the rough and rugged spots in our lives so that Jesus who stands always in our midst can have easy entrance into our hearts with his joy and peace.