Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc.
Readings: Jon 3: 1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7: 29-31; Mk 1: 14-20
Our God is merciful and ever ready to accept us when we turn to him with a repentant heart. In Psalm 51, it is articulated that God values sincere repentance over mere sacrifices as the pathway to forgiveness for sins.
The readings of today highlight the same, it tells us how the Ninevites responded by turning away from their sinful ways when they heard God’s words. Thus, in return God relents from his judgment. This illustrates the power of genuine repentance.
In today’s gospel we see Jesus begins his ministry by proclaiming the Kingdom of God, giving us the invitation to repent from our sinful ways. Consequently, our response to this call should be quick and immediate, like the responsiveness exhibited by the people of Nineveh. This conversion is meant to evolve into a wholehearted commitment for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Today’s readings also invite us to follow Jesus radically and with immediate obedience. Disciples left everything and followed Jesus and they never looked back. Today, we too are invited to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Our task today as the disciples of Jesus is to summon others to repentance, thus contributing to the establishment of the kingdom of God within ourselves. To fulfil this calling, our readiness and willingness to be disciples of Jesus are paramount.