RBWords

     What's the message?  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand?"  Who is going to deliver it?  We are.  Was it Jesus' personality or was it his message that drew Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John from their boats and nets to "follow him?"  They weren't the only ones.  Jesus called eight others, including Judas, to be his apostles, a word derived from Greek meaning, "someone sent for a task."  In fact, at our baptism we were officially called to preach the gospel.  Some of us go as far as the local parish church and attend Mass, go confession once in awhile,and maybe even serve as lectors, ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, religious education teachers.  All of that is good and is, indeed, as way of expressing our faith.  But the message of Jesus is a challenge to something deeply personal as well.

     The word "repent" summons us to a personal reflection on WHO we are as Christians.  We can get in a "Catholic rut" and never ask about the "kingdom of heaven" that we are supposed to be members of and sharers of.  "Repent" means taking a good look at our lives and our values, and not just at our continual venial sins that reflect faults that are stubborn failings.  Those are given parts of being human, but they can impede the message because the one delivering the message is not being honest with him or her self. But, "Repent!" is more than going to confession.  It is the whole way we look at our faith and express it.  Jesus offers us a challenge when he calls us to "follow" him.  We are to be the expression of the kingdom on earth that will lead others to Christ!  AMEN