“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” 

Today, Jesus calls us to do two things, repent and believe. First let’s ask ourselves why does Jesus ask to repent? What difference does it make? If I say I’m sorry, is that enough? Well, it’s a start. But let’s think about why we are saying those words. Are we trying to avoid punishment? Do we just want to appease Him, so He’ll stop watching our every move? When it comes right down to it, do we really plan to quit committing (name that sin)? 

There has to be more than just words. Repentance calls for a deep conversion or metanoia. It’s a change of heart where we move in a different direction than we were headed before. It’s about seeing that our choices are causing harm to ourselves or others and are offensive to our Father in heaven who loves us and wants more for us. When we can step outside of our own thoughts and selfish desires true repentance happens, because now it’s more about not wanting to cause pain to our Lord and others. 

But Jesus also calls us to believe. Belief in the Gospel means that we may not understand it all, but we have faith that God really did come to fight for us and to save us from the enemy that wants to separate us from Him. You may think you believe in the gospel (good news) but do we truly understand why this news is good? 

As Fr. John Riccardo teaches, the Gospel can be summed up in four words. Created, Captured, Rescued, and Response. Humanity was created to be with God. We’ve been captured by an enemy that wants to destroy us. Jesus came to defeat that enemy and rescue us. And now it is up to us to respond to that event. (Learn more in the video below.)

This week let’s really ponder how this good news affects our lives. If I have a God who loves me so much that He would take on a human form, come into enemy territory, and battle against the forces of darkness and death just for me, maybe, just maybe, I need to rethink a few things in my life. Is it too much for me to let go of my laziness, pride, anger, lust, gossip, selfishness, or whatever it is that I’ve grown accustomed to? Or do the loving actions of Jesus call for a radical response on my part? What do you think?  

Reflection Questions: Take a few minutes today to watch Fr. Riccardo’s video and consider your response to hearing the gospel proclaimed to you in this way. How does it make you feel? What does it make you want to do? We’d love to hear your thoughts, if you’d like to share. It’s a powerful message of which we often need to be reminded.

Prayer: Lord, I am in awe of how you fought for me when You walked this earth and suffered. I am humbled that You are still willing to do what needs to be done to bring me closer to You. Help me to do my part by responding to Your act of complete self-gift by giving myself fully to You. I am so very sorry for my sins and how they hurt others and offend You, who only desire what is best for me. I believe, Jesus. I believe! Amen.