Peace and goodness, dear brothers.
Today's gospel is the announcement of a new beginning. And it's new for a number of reasons. A different voice sounds after John the Baptist's preparatory words.
The truth is, Israel did not hear God's voice as revealed in the prophets. Right before and after the Baptist. However, the Ninevites, in spite of Jonah's reluctance to speak – no less words, and the fear of the ship he escaped from and after the sinking – change, repent and return to God, from the king to the last of the servants. It can be seen that the Israelites were clumsy in understanding the prophets. They were blocked, their hearts closed. And some Pagans, not so much.
What happened to Jonah often happens to us. Many imagine God as a harsh, vengeful judge who punishes the wicked with heavenly lightning and rewards the good. Seeing that God is merciful, he changed his mind when the Ninevites repented and did not sit well with the prophet. He forgot that the God of Jesus was not what he wanted. He is a God without enemies, only lost children, whom he seeks and attracts with his love, so that they no longer sin and are holy, that is, happy.
Like Jonah, St. Paul devoted himself to the things of God. A man who holds all human beings in high esteem. He was concerned about family relationships, the condition of children, slaves, women… but he was more concerned about relationships with God. What Paul wants is for believers to appreciate the realities of the world: important, yes, but not eternal. The danger with these worldly truths is that they become absolutes. Instead of being useful structures, they become idols, diverting the heart of man from God and making him lose the meaning of life. Because everything is related to God. Even the most popular. the eye That no one is free from these idolatries.
We bid farewell to John the Baptist, the last great prophet of the Old Testament, who disappears from the scene. Jesus took over, beginning in an entirely new fashion. Yes, it calls for change, but it also brings “good news”. It's not a tone of threat, but a tone of joy. We hear Jesus' first words, “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel. In that sentence, he sums up his entire message.
Because the time has come: we no longer have to wait for more signs or answers from heaven. Now, today, in this moment God's presence is active in the midst of our world, in the midst of our lives, in the midst of our things. God is no longer found only in the temple: He walks our paths, our lakes, our networks. So we can know and feel that we are with God every day, every minute.
God has already begun to do His work: God has begun to transform this world into another, the Kingdom of God. It is not waiting for an afterlife, but rather “passing on” as things have always been. Discovering that God the Father intervenes to realize the full power of His love, His desires, and His dreams for our world.
To be a part of this kingdom, you must have faith. That's what motivates people to change, to know that change is for the better, to be a better person. Saint John Bosco said, “To be good consists in not doing anything wrong, but in knowing how to correct it.” Keep going despite setbacks.
Conversion means not only trying to live as God wants, but also changing the way we see God, man, the world, and even history. Remember that God is a good father, not a righteous judge. It treats everyone equally regardless of how we like it. For Mark, the news of the coming of God's kingdom is presented as a hope-giving innovation. Everyone can accept that call to conversion. Even the greatest sinner in the world. Because the worst sinner to God is his son.
Jesus himself chooses those who cooperate with him. It usually isn't. The disciples of the rabbis chose their teacher themselves. Jesus' vision had something awe-inspiring, hope-inspiring, and hope-inspiring. It looked at you and changed you. It is the origin of hope and love. It's the look that says, “I know you, I need you, and I want you to be a part of this kingdom-building project.”
why me The chosen one feels that there is no reason for that choice. Jesus is not looking for the good, the agreeable, the admired. He does not go to temples or synagogues. He goes to the Sea of Galilee. Look for people in the midst of their daily activities. And he makes the invitation. “Why do you do your usual places, your usual colleagues, your usual schedules …, and not come to do something else? We're going to spend time, labor, energy on people. Let other people take care of the fish and nets. You and I are going to do something better.
All that takes a back seat because a decision has to be made. Jesus already says at the beginning: Believe the good news. Meaning: One cannot be indifferent to this urgent call. So right now, today, this Sunday: walk with me in the paths of the gospel. But now? Yes. No delay. He is not interested in those who want all kinds of explanations before leaving the “fish and boats”. You don't need people looking back either. And he doesn't want to know anything about those who impose conditions on him: «Let me go first…». Meaning: We cannot allow this day to pass without giving a serious and firm answer. Everything must be sacrificed if it stands in the way of the new life to which Christ is calling you.
It's about acting like Jesus: more brotherhood, more justice, more peace, more pure hearts, more forgiveness, more service, more generosity, more bread for all, making a difference in this world. There are many more things we could add, but I think that's enough for today. A compelling call to do things differently, with others and always in the company of Jesus. Also, let us not think that this gospel is specifically aimed at “priests, nuns, or religious.” These are ways of responding, some will be called. But they are certainly not the only ones. Everyone has a mission in the church. This gospel is addressed directly to you and asks you to “move” away from shore, networks and conventional boats. Ask God to teach you His ways, as we are told repeatedly in the Psalms. Because they are the paths of peace, joy and salvation.
Your brother in faith, Alejandro, CMF
