After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 NABRE)
I am always awestruck when I read these first words of Jesus' public ministry. Keep in mind, John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) had recently been arrested by Herod the king for having publicly spoken out against his many evil deeds. Yet, Jesus begins his preaching with the instruction to repent, which is the same message that got John into such trouble.
It is worth noting that, Jesus had just spent forty days in the desert confronting the temptations of Satan in preparation for his ministry. Jesus came into Galilee and immediately announced these dramatic things, that it was the time of fulfillment of God's promises, that God's effective rule over his people had begun, and that everyone should change their lives and believe in the gospel. These were not timid words. They were a call to action. They were provocative and upsetting to the comfortable and powerful. However, the words of Jesus were hopeful to the poor and needy.
Today, I will repent, believe in the gospel of God, and seek new ways to be available to others in need.
Blessed William Carter, martyr for your faith, who reminds us that even today our brothers and sisters need encouragement—not always because their lives are at risk as yours was, but because many other factors besiege their faith, pray for us.
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