Kempis reinforces the fact that by ourselves we can do nothing pleasing to God (IC 1,19).  But with grace all things are possible.  We must ask daily (see yesterday’s post) for the help we need to remain firm in our resolution to do God’s will in all things.

Some background on today’s first reading (Jon 3:1-10).  Nineveh was the capital of the pagan Assyrian empire that took down the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.  These people did not know the one true God.  Yet, through an extraordinary outpouring of grace, it took no time at all for the king and his kingdom to repent of its evil ways.  So, not only do the just depend on God’s grace, but the unjust can be moved to righteousness as well through a simple word inspired by God.

Such is the power of God’s word in Scripture.  This should inspire us to read and meditate upon the Bible frequently and share the Good News with others.  Who knows who will be led to repentance and a deeper trust in God because of it (maybe even ourselves!).