3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Fr. Jerry Bell – January 22, 2012
   Our year 2012 is still relatively new. I think I’ve slipped only twice by automatically writing 2011. Our Church calendar gives us the Gospel of Mark this  year. It’s the shortest, and the one recorded first. Throughout his Gospel, Mark has Jesus heading toward Jerusalem, to die, ultimately. He’s also known for his “Messianic Secret,” Jesus not flouting his identity. “Don’t tell anyone.” Today, in chapter one, Jesus comes on the scene announcing God’s plan.

   And here it is: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Jesus is calling followers to turn to God and know salvation. We’re talking about redemption, wholeness, peace, justice, truth, and love. The time for the fulfillment of all expectations has arrived. In the days of Jonah, in the days of the first disciples, as today, this world needs help. God changes the world and wants us to help. So, Jesus calls followers. We’re invited today to be part of the solution, and not part of the problem. He summons us to be his disciples. Our acceptance, loyalty, means we are to be repenting throughout our lives. None of us gets it all together. We can always be a better follower, disciple for faith, hope, and love know no limits. It all happens in God’s good time. But, now is the time for fulfillment.

   The only response for the reign of God seems to be repentance and faith. And, that doesn’t mean just sorrow for sin, but a determination to live a new life. One who feels no need for repentance, probably does not truly believe. Repentance must be translated into a positive faith commitment. Jesus always takes the initiative in calling us. When we respond, he fashions us into believers who proclaim the gospel. The Kingdom is coming, and the new creation is coming to be. The question for us is, “Am I responding, involved, or trailing, watching from a distance?” That cross part that Mark starts out with and continues throughout his Gospel means sacrifice. Do we think we are in need of conversion, repentance? I hope so. We need to hear the call, strengthen our relationship with Jesus, and respond in fidelity. Where do we begin? How do we repent? Once again there’s “Why Catholic,” which gears up soon. There’s our clustered “Mission” beginning the first week-end of February. And, there’s our annual “Stewardship Renewal” that begins next week-end.

   We travel through this world to get to the next. The next is here as well. Not all see it. But, hopefully we’ve heard the announcement and summons to join in. Yet, Mark is too good about letting us know that sacrifice must be part of it. So, may we “Repent and believe in the gospel, for the kingdom of God is at hand.” “This is the time of fulfillment.”