Embrace His Message of Mercy
Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 21, 2018): JON 3:1-5, 10; PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 COR 7:29-31; MK 1:14-20
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today’s Gospel introduces Christ at the beginning of His mission to proclaim the Good News of salvation. “Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15). John the Baptist has completed His ministry of calling people to turn from sin and ready themselves for the Messiah. Now, in Jesus, we meet Him – our Lord and Redeemer – and the world will change for all time.
Jesus encourages His listeners not only to repent of their sins but also to embrace His message of hope and mercy. In whatever way the Jewish people perceived the role of the Messiah, our Lord revealed Himself as one more powerful, more humble, more demanding and more forgiving than anybody could imagine. Over time, Jesus’ disciples came to understand that our Heavenly Father had sent His Son to lead, to serve and to give His life for us. Because the kingdom of God is ruled by His love and mercy, He wants every one of us to share eternity with Him.
