“Repent, and believe the good news!”
Where does Jesus begin his ministry? Where John the Baptist left off – preaching a message of repentance, of change, to welcome the new Kingdom of God. There is a simplicity about this message, which is not compromised by anything – today’s Gospel has these simple words from Jesus, and then the story of his calling disciples to follow him and share in the work of spreading the Good News. Repentance has something of a bad press – we tend to think of it as an old-fashioned concept. But every age needs to hear this call: to look and look again at what we do and say and assume, and see again that there are such things as right and wrong, and that sometimes we need an about turn. To follow Jesus, and to accept the Kingship of God, demands that we make a radical choice, which may well change our lives.
Today’s Scripture: (Psalter: Week 3)
Jonah 3: 1–5, 10
The people of Nineveh renounce their evil behaviour.
Response: Psalm 24
Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
for you are God my saviour.
Remember your mercy, Lord,
and the love you have shown from of old.
In your love remember me,
because of your goodness, O Lord.
The Lord is good and upright.
He shows the path to those who stray,
he guides the humble in the right path;
he teaches his way to the poor.
1 Corinthians 7: 29 – 31
The world as we know it is passing away.
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia. Alleluia!
The kingdom of God is close at hand; believe the Good News.
Alleluia, Alleluia. Alleluia!
Mark 1: 14–20
Repent, and believe the Good News.
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, teach us your paths
Take a look at Today’s readings
