Homily – 25 February 2026

First Week of Lent
Readings: Jonah 3:1–10; Luke 11:29–32

Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters, during this first week of Lent, the Church gives us a powerful message: It is never too late to change.

Sometimes we think change is impossible. We say:

• “I have always been like this.”

• “This habit is too strong.”

• “That situation will never improve.”

But today, the Word of God shows us something extraordinary — an entire sinful city changed. And they changed quickly.

If Nineveh could change, so can we.

Life Story

A man once said he wanted to lose weight. So he prayed, “Lord, if you don’t want me to eat KFC, remove the temptation.”

The next morning, he drove to work and said, “If there is no parking space in front of the Kentucky Fried Chicken, I will know it is God’s will.”

After driving around the block eight times, suddenly a space opened right in front!

Sometimes we look for signs — but ignore the clear message God has already given.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says people are always asking for signs. But the greatest sign is already here.

The Word

First Reading: Jonah 3:1–10

Jonah finally obeys God and goes to Nineveh, proclaiming:

“Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be destroyed.”

What is remarkable is not Jonah’s preaching — it is the people’s response.

• The king humbles himself.

• The people fast.

• They wear sackcloth.

• They turn from evil.

The word “repent” means to change direction. Nineveh did not argue. They did not delay. They acted.

And God, who is rich in mercy, relented.

This passage shows us two truths:

1. God takes sin seriously.

2. God loves repentance even more.

Gospel: Luke 11:29–32

Jesus says:

“This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign.”

The people wanted miracles, spectacles, proof.

But Jesus tells them the only sign they need is the “sign of Jonah.”

Just as Jonah was a sign to Nineveh, Jesus Himself is the sign to us.

And something greater than Jonah is here.

The Ninevites repented at Jonah’s preaching — but many in Jesus’ time refused to repent even when God Himself stood before them.

The message for us is clear:
Do not wait for extraordinary signs.
The Word of God you hear today is already enough.

Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Do Not Delay Conversion

Nineveh repented immediately. Do not say, “I will change next week.” Start today.

Make one concrete decision:

• Reconcile with someone.

• Confess a recurring sin.

• Change one harmful habit.

Lent is short. Act now.

2. Stop Demanding Signs

We often say:

• “God, show me what to do.”

• “Give me a sign.”

But God has already spoken through Scripture, conscience, and the Church. The problem is not lack of signs — it is lack of response.

Trust what you already know is right.

3. Believe in God’s Mercy

No matter how far Nineveh had fallen, God forgave them when they turned back.

There is no sin bigger than God’s mercy.
Never despair.

Inspirational Quote

“The greatest miracle is not a sign in the sky, but a heart that chooses to change.”

Conclusion

My dear friends, Jonah preached reluctantly — yet an entire city repented.

Jesus speaks with love — and still many hesitate.

This Lent, let us not be stubborn. Let us not wait for dramatic signs.

The greatest sign stands before us:
Christ crucified and risen.

May we respond with humble, immediate conversion.

Prayer

Merciful Father,
You never tire of calling us back to You.
Give us the courage to repent sincerely
and the humility to change our ways.

Remove from us every hardness of heart.
Help us to recognize Jesus as the greatest sign
of Your love and mercy.

May this Lent be a time of real transformation.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.