Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalms 25:4-9; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

We always think that we have God figured out. And they are continuously reminding us that we really do not have a clue. Justice. Mercy. Salvation. The kingdom. None of these are what we expect them to be. If there is something for which we need to repent, it is probably our assumption that our Parent is as petty and provincial as we are. Yes, "teach us your ways, O Lord," for we are in desperate need of your truth, confounding though it may be, and this is indeed "the time of fulfillment."

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jonah 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

"This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." These words are true today as much as they were when Jesus said them so long ago. They are probably similar to the words that Jonah and countless other prophets have spoken down through the ages. They are also completely misunderstood today, as they have been for hundreds if not thousands of years, even by the ones who spoke them. They are not a testament to some apocalyptic vision, nor are they a call for some superficial lovefest. They are a statement of the most profound truth that humans can come to realize: we are love incarnate. We do not need to wait for some future paradise to witness perfection; we only have to look around. We are not called to tolerate our neighbor, but to truly love them as a sibling. We are not meant to be separated into a multitude of tribes, but were created as one family. Right now is the moment to see. Our Creator is standing before us. Let go of the lies, and embrace the truth of love.