Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 129(130):1-4,7-8
Luke 10:38-42
Today we observe the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, a celebration rooted in perseverance and steadfast prayer. It commemorates the miraculous victory of Christendom at the Battle of Lepanto, where Christian forces triumphed against the Turkish invasion, thanks to the intercession of Our Lady, known as ’Succour of Christians’.
In today’s first reading, after Jonah’s initial rejection and subsequent second chance, God commands him once more—this time, Jonah obeys! He courageously goes to Nineveh to deliver a vital message: ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh will face destruction!’ (Jonah 3:4). When Jonah confronts the notoriously wicked city, the people are suddenly awakened from their evil ways. They respond with humility—putting on sackcloth and ashes—and turn away from their sins. Despite the threat of impending disaster, they recognize the seriousness of their actions and choose to heed God’s warning. From the greatest to the least, everyone repents, and God, out of mercy, spares them from destruction. Jonah’s story powerfully demonstrates God’s limitless mercy—not only for Jonah and Israel but for all nations, even those most impious. It shows that God is the ruler of all and offers everyone the gift of repentance and renewal. This was difficult for the Israelites to accept because they saw themselves as God’s special chosen people (Matthew 12:41; Matthew 16:4; Luke 11:29-32; Acts 10; Acts 11).
The Holy Rosary is a prayer of meditation that guides us to reflect on the life of Jesus, our Savior, and Mary’s role in the plan of salvation. It helps us remember and contemplate our salvation history and express gratitude to God our Father, who answers our prayers whenever we turn to Him.
Fr Joseph Osho
