sit-ups
"When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, He repented of the evil that He had threatened to do to them; He did not carry it out." —Jonah 3:10
How can a sinful, vengeful prophet, in one day, lead to repentance 120,000 citizens of one of the most hardened and hateful cities in history? Why was God's grace accepted by the wicked Ninevites? Where sin abounds, God's grace abounds all the more (Rm 5:20), and perhaps the Ninevites accepted God's grace because somewhere, someone was praying for Jonah's persecutors (see Mt 5:44). When God's grace is accepted and the world is transformed, usually somebody like Mary of Bethany is praying — sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His words (see Lk 10:39).
Those sitting at Jesus' feet are often influencing the world more than world travelers who "are anxious and upset about many things" (Lk 10:41). Those silently listening to Jesus usually change the world more than those speaking to the nations on satellite TV, at the United Nations, or before the parliaments and congresses of the world. "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15). Although the Lord commands us to be active and multiply good works (see Col 1:10), we must always remember that Jesus is our Savior, not ourselves. "All depends on faith, everything is grace" (Rm 4:16).
Consequently, don't just do something; sit there obediently at Jesus' feet and by faith win the world to Christ.
Prayer: Father, may I let it be done to me according to Your word (Lk 1:38).
Promise: "Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it." —Lk 10:42
Praise: James took the opportunity to witness for Jesus to a stranger during an elevator ride.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 22, 2013
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