Who is in you? An odd question, perhaps, but the answer should be Christ. There is a constant spiritual battle going on, and you are in the midst of it. That’s why you must always remember part of today’s first reading from 1 John. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Christ will always win; but we must allow Him to have victory in our lives if we are to be victorious over the evil one.
In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 4, we see the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”
As Christian people, we share in Jesus’ prophetic ministry. Thus, we too are called to preach the message that Christ preached: Repent. Unfortunately, that message brings with it a question. From what do I need to repent? It implies that one is going down a wrong path, offending God. Sinning. People don’t like to hear that message. The concept of sin has become passe. It wasn’t popular then, it isn’t popular now. But Jesus’ message wasn’t meant for one generation. It is a timeless message. We all have something ( some of us many things) from which we need to repent. What’s on your list?
Father, give us the grace of repentance. Open our eyes and our hearts and our minds to see ways that we offend you. And give us the courage to call others to follow you more closely. Amen.
0 comments