Word of Life
On 21st Jan 2025
Meditating the Words of Jesus from Holy Scriptures
Jesus Said. “‘Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand“
Mt 4: 12-17 Hearing that John had been arrested he withdrew to Galilee, 13 and leaving Nazara he went and settled in Capernaum, beside the lake, on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 15 Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea beyond Jordan. Galilee of the nations! 16 The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a country of shadow dark as death a light has dawned. * 17 From then onwards Jesus began his proclamation with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.’ Lord has heard that John the Baptist was arrested. Jesus left Nazara and setteled in Caparnaum and this way he was called a Galilean Jn7: 41-42 ‘and some said, ‘He is the Christ,’ but others said, ‘Would the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from Bethlehem, the village where David was? However, Jesus wasn't prepared to debate them from his place of origin. The people, lived in the darkness had seen the light of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist said that Jesus would arrive in the midst of Israelites to illuminate them with his real light. Jesus tells us to turn from our sins in verse 17 because the kingdom of heaven is near. He claims that it will not be delayed and that it is extremely close to us. Jesus extends an invitation to his home for everyone, but with one requirement: repentance and faith in the gospel. The path to eternal life is repentance. Jesus also discusses repentance in order to enter God's kingdom in Mark 1:15. God will never forsake us and will constantly shower us with His mercy. How can we disregard the kindness He has shown us? In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul provides us with an explanation. Rm 2: 4 Or are you not disregarding his abundant goodness, tolerance and patience, failing to realise that this generosity of God is meant to bring you to repentance? Jesus is waiting for us patiently, in great tolerance and with a merciful heart, just to make us repent and bring us back to Him.
