The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to changing our mind as we confront opposing attitudes and calls to action on our Journey.
The Reading from the Book of Jonah alerts us to attending to the Will of God even as we oppose the plan.
* [3:5] Great and small: the contrast can refer to distinctions of social class (prominent citizens and the poor).
* [3:7–8] Fasting and wearing sackcloth are signs of human repentance; here they are legislated even for the animals—a humorous touch, perhaps anticipating 4:11.
* [3:9–10] Scripture frequently presents the Lord as repenting (or, changing his mind) of the evil that he threatens; e.g., Gn 6:6–7; Jer 18:8. (Jonah, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)
Psalm 130 is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed.
* [Psalm 130] This lament, a Penitential Psalm, is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed. In deep sorrow the psalmist cries to God (Ps 130:1–2), asking for mercy (Ps 130:3–4). The psalmist’s trust (Ps 130:5–6) becomes a model for the people (Ps 130:7–8). (Psalms, PSALM 130, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus comments on the response of Martha and Mary to His visit.
* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.
* [10:39] Sat beside the Lord at his feet: it is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3), and it reveals a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3).
* [10:42] There is need of only one thing: some ancient versions read, “there is need of few things”; another important, although probably inferior, reading found in some manuscripts is, “there is need of few things, or of one.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)
Steve Scholer comments that each of us can think of being tasked with a seemingly impossible job or one that could certainly be detrimental to our well-being or our relationship with a friend or family member. Like Jonah, fear, reluctance, and maybe outright refusal to act are likely a given. But they need not be. God has assured us that we can turn to him for strength and guidance.
As we go about our affairs today, let’s not back away from the difficult or awkward, from tough conversations that need to be made, to the difficult actions that can no longer be delayed. Like Jonah, let us ask God to be present, calm us, and give us the strength to tackle the difficult. And let us also ask God to open the ears and hearts of those who need to let the love of Jesus into their lives and hearts, so our message is heard and understood.
Maybe our results will not be as stunning as Jonah’s and the good that came from him finally accepting God’s call to preach to those least likely to take his words to heart. And maybe we will not obtain the positive outcome that followed because of the actions he undertook.
But, if we don’t try, (Scholer, n.d.)
"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10 suggests that the next time we feel God moving us to share the good news of Christ’s love with someone, recall Jonah.
Don’t run the other way as Jonah first did. Rather, take a few deep breaths, and ask the Lord to quiet your fears or any harsh judgments you may have about the other person. Remind yourself that the Holy Spirit has already gone before you and has laid the groundwork for whatever he wants to accomplish. Then trust that the outcome, as well as all the people involved, is in God’s capable hands.
“Lord, give me the courage to share your good news, especially in difficult situations.” (Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler discusses how Jonah is called to preach to Nineveh even as he wanted them destroyed. Before the end of day one the king has called a fast and God turns back anger and destruction The Assyrian conqueror was forgiven. Jesus visits and Martha responds with hospitality and Mary sits and listens. Friar Jude notes that historically this was understood as preference of contemplative to active life. We are sometimes so busy we cannot be present in faith. We may do a lot and never listen quietly to Jesus.
Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the book of Esther and the book of Nehemiah by reflecting on the journey and resilience of the Jewish people thus far in the story of salvation. Fr. Mike explains how, in our lives, we don’t always know how God is going to show up, but we know that he will be faithful. Today’s readings are Nehemiah 12, Esther 9-11, and Proverbs 21:21-24.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, articulates an opportunity for each of us to rediscover a “soulful” relationship with money. Lynne Twist, founder of the Soul of Money Institute, understands the impact that our culture’s disintegrated view of money has made.
Each of us experiences a lifelong tug-of-war between our money interests and the calling of our soul. When we’re in the domain of soul, we act with integrity. We are thoughtful and generous, allowing, courageous, and committed. We recognize the value of love and friendship….
In the grip of money, those wonderful qualities of soul seem to be less available. We become smaller…. We often grow selfish, greedy, petty, fearful, or controlling…. We see ourselves as winners or losers, powerful or helpless, and we let those labels deeply define us in ways that are inaccurate….
In a world that seems to revolve around money, it is vital that we deepen our relationship with our soul and bring it to bear on our relationship with money…. We can have our money culture both balanced and nourished by soul. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)
We ask the Spirit to guide our consideration of our response to differing directions like study and action, soul and money, or redemption and punishment.
References
Jonah, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/3?1
Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38
Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/07/1402929/
Psalms, PSALM 130. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/130?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/money-and-soul/
Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-7-2025
Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=oct7
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