Word to the Wise
Monday, January 13, 2020 - Monday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 1:1-8 and Mark 1:14-20]"This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." [Mark]
These lines from today's gospel scripture from the Gospel According to Mark once appeared on a Sunday at the beginning of a parish mission I was preaching. At the beginning of Mass, I asked the congregation to repeat each of the three sentences after me. When they did, I said, "Congratulations! You have just preached your first sermon!" That resulted in a few chuckles. Then I challenged them to say those same lines OUTSIDE the church building! The chuckles were a bit more nervous this time around!
We Catholics are accustomed to hearing about repentance, Lord knows! "Frequent confession!" has thundered from many a pulpit! But do we associate that penitential sacramental act with something bigger than our own need. Can we see beyond the guilt-relief to a conversion of life that proclaims the Kingdom of God in our own time? Yes, we may "feel better" after the Sacrament of Reconciliation but being a representative of the Kingdom of God is another matter. But, it's true! Jesus proclaimed it and promised the Holy Spirit as guide to our own proclamation. The time of fulfillment wasn't just 2000+ years ago. It is here and now and we are charged with making it known! AMEN