Teach me your ways, O Lord. — Psalm 25:4 

Mass Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 / 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 / Mark 1:14-20 

Repent and Believe 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” When I typed “repent” my computer’s thesaurus came up with words like regret, be sorry, and be remorseful. But in the biblical understanding, repent is not simply feeling sorry or experiencing pangs of remorse, but involves an about-turn, a reorientation of one’s whole life. 

C.S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road.” Repentance is not only turning away from sin, but also turning to Jesus and walking in obedient faith. For four fishermen in first-century Palestine, this meant leaving behind their boats, nets and family, and following Jesus. What will repentance involve for you and me today? 

Prayer: Merciful Father, whenever I stray, help me be prompt to repent and return to You.