As we quietly await the approaching Ash Wednesday, I find myself leaning upon the Heart of God and spending this day asking for His mercy and forgiveness. In this spirit, I reflect on what kind of repentance and forgiveness I am being called to seek as I prepare to observe my third Ash Wednesday here in the United States.
In a particular way, as we enter this holy season of Lent, the story of the Book of Jonah becomes a meaningful invitation for me to look back upon my own journey of repentance.
In the first chapter of Jonah, God sends the prophet to the city of Nineveh so that its people might repent. Yet Jonah, a Hebrew, questions God’s plan for the repentance of the Gentiles and attempts to flee. In this moment, I find myself recalling my own first steps in coming to the United States.
When I was initially invited by the Provincial Superior in Korea to undertake pastoral ministry for the Korean Catholic community in the United States, I found myself filled with hesitation and uncertainty. I had long carried the assumption that missionary work ought to take place in impoverished and harsh environments rather than in a country like America, which seemed to offer so many advantages and comforts.
Moreover, as I considered the unfamiliar culture and language I would encounter, I lacked the courage to proclaim the Gospel with confidence. I questioned myself: “Is there truly a reason or purpose for me to go to the United States?” At that time, remaining in Korea seemed far more appealing than accepting pastoral ministry abroad.
Yet beginning in February 2024, as I formally entered into ministry serving Korean Catholics in the United States, I gradually came to realize that cooperating in the work of God is itself a path that leads one toward repentance and conversion of heart.
The linguistic and cultural differences I encountered daily were unfamiliar and often challenging—experiences I had never known while living in Korea. Nevertheless, through the quiet assistance of unknown “people of God” who appeared at just the right moments, and through the faithful presence of Korean parishioners who stood beside me in the Holy Mass and in prayer, offering encouragement and hope, I found myself, almost without realizing it, walking along the path of conversion.
In many ways, this resembles Jonah’s own journey. Though he first fled from God’s call and endured hardship (Jonah 2:1–11), he ultimately came to understand the Lord’s will. Through his personal repentance, he became an instrument in leading the people of Nineveh to repentance as well.
For me, life in the United States has become a time of reflection and conversion. Perhaps this, too, is the very reason God sent me here from the beginning. As we prepare to celebrate Ash Wednesday, may we also be well prepared—like Jonah—so that our own small acts of repentance may help lead the world toward renewal and conversion.
Amen.
Fr. Hanuk Bae, MSC