Belief and Repentance: A Radical Call

Author: Fr. Amala Gnana Prabhu Jesuraj
Teaser Text: Simple and radical response to the call of God
Reflection Date: January 13, 2025 Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20

God, who spoke through the prophets, has now fully revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. This revelation marks a pivotal moment in human history. Through Jesus Christ, we encounter the fullness of God’s nature and glory. The incarnation of Christ is not merely an event in history but a continuous invitation for everyone to recognize and receive the fullness of God in their own lives. As we immerse ourselves in this divine revelation, we are called to respond to Christ’s invitation with intimate engagement and wholehearted commitment.

Transitioning to Mark 1:14-20, we witness the immediate human response to this divine revelation. Emerging from the wilderness, Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God, calling for repentance and belief in the good news—essential requirements for inheriting the kingdom of God. These characteristics are evident in the response of the disciples, who are ready to change their way of life for Jesus, believe His words, and recognize Him as the Son of God. His first acts of calling disciples—Simon, Andrew, James, and John—profoundly depict what it means to follow the revealed Christ.

Jesus calls fishermen, ordinary individuals, and transforms them into “fishers of men.” This call resonates through the ages, reminding us that the Kingdom of God is built on the simple yet radical act of discipleship. The immediacy of their response—leaving their nets and following Him—serves as a model for us. It challenges our own attachments and comforts, urging us to prioritize the call of Christ above all else.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: As Catholics, let us say "yes" to Christ’s call, prioritizing Him in our lives and becoming true witnesses to His love through faith, repentance, and discipleship.