'and saying,
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God
is at hand;
repent, and believe in the gospel."'
– Mark 1:15
As Christians we are called to announce – in words, thoughts and
deeds – the fulfillment of time, the coming of the Kingdom of God, repentance
and faith in the good news.
The fulfillment of time means that God has already fulfilled His promise: He has already sent His only begotten Son, the one whom the world has been expecting for the past four millenniums and we do not have to wait for someone else. In Him everything comes to a close and signals a new and renewed beginning. This is also connected with the coming of God’s Kingdom for with the Lord Jesus God brings into the world the realization of His reign which the people denied Him from exercising: by the Chosen People when they elected to have their own king, and by the heathen by following various idols.
The fulfillment of time means that God has already fulfilled His promise: He has already sent His only begotten Son, the one whom the world has been expecting for the past four millenniums and we do not have to wait for someone else. In Him everything comes to a close and signals a new and renewed beginning. This is also connected with the coming of God’s Kingdom for with the Lord Jesus God brings into the world the realization of His reign which the people denied Him from exercising: by the Chosen People when they elected to have their own king, and by the heathen by following various idols.
Repentance is a necessary prerequisite in order to belong to the
new people of God for it would mean turning away from that which is abhorrent to
God - and submitting one’s self under God’s rule. Without repentance no one would
be able to accept – and join – His Kingdom. Faith in the Good News – the very
person of the Lord Jesus Christ and His message of salvation – is also
necessary for it is the very core of becoming a member of the new People of
God, the Church, and of being His representatives to all the earth to proclaim
the very same message of salvation.
In all these it is necessary that we as Christians respond to the call in word, thought and deed. Repentance is true when it leads to a renewed life. Faith is real when it initiates a multitude of good works. Being a Christian and a citizen of the Kingdom of God means a full turning back from a life of sin and unconcern into a life of holiness and loving.
In all these it is necessary that we as Christians respond to the call in word, thought and deed. Repentance is true when it leads to a renewed life. Faith is real when it initiates a multitude of good works. Being a Christian and a citizen of the Kingdom of God means a full turning back from a life of sin and unconcern into a life of holiness and loving.
Friends, may we have a great pilgrimage through this Season of
Lent.
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