The Gospel Proclamation Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother ... And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little further he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Prayerful Awareness Jesus begins His public ministry by the proclamation: “This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” (vs. 15) The gospel or the good news that Jesus brings is that something (Kingdom) is about to be fulfilled. It is very close, but yet it has not happened. For this to happen, Jesus says that something ought to be done - “Repent and believe in the good news.” Let me reflect on these words ... what does Jesus mean by these words .... Let me pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten me ... Kingdom of God, is a complex theme. Jesus through the many parables tries to make us understand what is meant by the Kingdom. Jesus tells us what attitudes we need to cultivate, what attitudes we must have towards money and wealth, in order to experience the Kingdom. He also tells us that the Kingdom has a small beginning and compares it to a mustard seed. Then He tells us that the Kingdom grows. He tells us that the Kingdom is within us. He tells us that we need to be childlike in order to experience the Kingdom. Yes, the Kingdom of God is diametrically opposite to a worldly kingdom. Kingdom values are just the opposite of worldly values. So Jesus says, one cannot serve God and mammon. In Christianity there seems to be no middle path. It is EITHER OR. As we read the Scriptures, let us become awake to how Jesus presents the “Kingdom” to us.
Prayer Starter How can I repay the Lord, for all the good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116: 12, 13)
