Readings 1 John 3:22-4,6; Psalm 2; Mt 4:12-17,23-25
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near.”Now that our Christmas Octave and Epiphany celebrations are complete, we begin to turn our eyes to the Baptism of the Lord and His public ministry. The above line from today’s Gospel presents us with the most central summary of all of the teachings of Jesus: “Repent”. However, He doesn’t say only to repent, but goes on further saying “the Kingdom of heaven has come near.” And that is the reason why we must repent. We are children of God’s kingdom.
In “the Spiritual Exercises”, Saint Ignatius of Loyola explains that the primary reason for our lives is to give to God the greatest glory we can, namely, to bring forth the Kingdom of Heaven. But he also goes on to say that this can only be accomplished when we turn away from sin and all inordinate attachments in our lives so that the one and only focus of our lives is the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the goal of repentance.
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, and then return to Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Year. Throughout Ordinary Time, we will reflect on the public ministry of Jesus and focus on His many teachings. Everything that He says and does ultimately points us to repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning toward our glorious God. Repentance is like throwing away any obstacles (sins) small or big from our daily thoughts and walks, so that our heart is clean and our ways smooth.
In our own life, it is essential that we place before our mind and heart the call to repentance. It is essential that we daily hear Jesus saying to us: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In fact, at each celebration of Holy Mass, we begin by recalling our faults and asking God’s mercy and pardon. A healthy Christian living is openness to God’s Will and walking in the way of truth that helps us to be children of God. So, in today’s reflection, I would like to invite us to reflect on the word: “Repent” forthere will never be a time in our life when we do not need to repent with all our heart. Though we will never reach perfection in this life, yet repentance must be our daily mission.
May God dwell fully in our hearts. Happy beginning of the new year 2021. Fr. Mussie