MARK 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and He remained in the desert for 40 days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him.

After John had been arrested, 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.”

REFLECTION

Repent, and believe in the gospel. The call of the Gospel and of Lent is repentance. How do we repent? The Gospel event of Jesus’ temptation in the desert suggests what we have to do.

Repentance is turning away from material comfort to the cross, from personal convenience to committed service, and from earthly satisfaction to spiritual nourishment. Jesus does not bribe people to follow Him. He does not promise rose gardens to attract people to Him. He wants our dedication, not just our admiration. He calls us to be followers and witnesses, not to be watchers or members of a fans club.

Repentance does not compromise, bargain, or strike a deal. There is no neutrality or fence-sitting with Jesus. We either walk with Him or walk out. As Jesus responds to Satan, “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve” (Mt 4:10). Repentance is not meant for material gain or self-glorification, for show or spectacle, for gimmick or publicity. It demands a 180-degree turnaround from our old self, sin, and selfishness. Repentance is a turning back to God, a change of heart, and a change of life.

A Lenten resolution: Be simple in lifestyle, sincere in word,and serious with responsibilities.

SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph