REPENTANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Jonah 3:1–5.10; Ps. 25; 1 Corinthians 7:29–31; Mark 1:14–20
Repentance and discipleship form the central theme of today’s message. In today’s liturgy, we are called to repent and follow Jesus. The first reading speaks of the conversion of Nineveh through the instrumentality of Jonah. In the gospel, Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the good news. He also called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. Generally, Christ wants us to resist sin and follow him. Other lessons for today are as follows:
1.Repentance and Belief: The basic message in Jesus’ message to repent and believe in the good news emphasizes the foundational aspects of Christian life—turning away from sin and embracing faith in Christ. If we don’t turn away from sin, we can’t follow him sincerely and truly. Again, this foundational message has not changed. It follows, therefore, that every proclamation today is not complete without a message of repentance. Jonah preached, and they repented. The disciples leaving their fishing nets symbolizes the need to leave behind our old ways and attachments and follow Jesus. You cannot claim that you have repented, yet your behavior has not changed. True repentance must result in a change of action.
2. The Word of God: Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” How are we going to preach if we do not study the word of God? Precisely because of this, on this third Sunday in ordinary time, Pope Francis invites us to devote ourselves to the study, celebration, and dissemination of the Word of God. He calls it “Sunday of the Word of God.” St. Jerome says, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” The Bible is the primary text book for Christianity. It is the first point of reference for theology or God talk. It is the slate for learning the ABCD of the faith. Today’s Christians want power but lack knowledge. God help us.
3. Urgency of Response: The disciples’ immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the importance of promptly and willingly following Christ when he calls us. We are often in the habit of procrastinating. The call is upon you now; turn to Jesus with all your heart, mind, and soul. Paul in the second reading sounded urgent when he spoke about the passing nature of this world (1 Corinthians 7:29–31). We must understand this urgency.
4. Transformation through Encounter: The encounter with Jesus led to a significant transformation in the disciples’ lives. It underscores the power of encountering Christ to bring about profound changes. Without an encounter, we remain usual in the practice of our faith. Encounter brings revival. Without encountering Jesus in the Bible, the Bible remains a literary text.
5. Discipline as Priority: The passage underscores the central theme of discipleship, emphasizing the idea that following Jesus should be a primary focus in our lives, guiding our actions and decisions. If we follow him, we shall reign with him in paradise.
Let us pray.
Almighty, ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure so that, in the name of your beloved Son, we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
