Monday of Week 1 – 1 Sam 1:1-8; Mark 1:14-20
“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel”.
These words kick off Jesus’ public ministry straight after His baptism in the Jordan, revealing the mission the Father entrusted to Him. But they also lay the groundwork for our own Christian lives. “The Kingdom of God” speaks of God’s almighty power, fully at work in creation, in revelation, and throughout salvation history. Even more wonderfully, it’s a power that draws close to each of us, reaching out in love. In Jesus – through His words and actions – God’s closeness is visibly revealed. He doesn’t just proclaim the Good News; He is the Good News.
So, how are we meant to respond to all this? Jesus says it’s simple (though not always easy): we need to turn our hearts around (repent) and put our trust in the Gospel (believe). Repentance and faith go hand in hand, each one spurring the other on. Jesus came to seek out sinners, yet the real spark for our conversion isn’t so much the weight of our sins, but the promise of God’s Kingdom. When we let our own ideas rule instead of letting God lead us, that’s a sure sign we still need to change course. Thankfully, Christ’s call remains as fresh as ever – urging us to open our hearts, embrace His message, and live in the freedom of God’s nearness.