Who
What is the Gospel of God which Jesus came to preach? The word
"gospel" literally means "good news". When a king had good
news to deliver to his subjects he sent messengers or heralds throughout the
land to make a public announcement - such as the birth of a newborn king or the
victory over an invading army or occupied force. God sent his prophets to
announce the coming of God's anointed King and Messiah. After Jesus was
baptized in the River Jordan and anointed by the Spirit he begins his ministry
of preaching the Gospel - the good news that the kingdom of God was now at hand
for all who were ready to receive it.
As
soon as John the Baptist had finished his testimony, Jesus began his in
Galilee, his home district. John's enemies had sought to silence him, but the
gospel cannot be silenced. Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled and the
kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus takes up John's message of repentance and
calls disciples to believe in the gospel - the good news he has come to
deliver. What is the good news which Jesus delivers? It is the good news of
peace, of hope, of truth, of promise, of immortality, and the good news of
salvation.
Repentance
means to change - to change my way of thinking, my attitude, disposition, and
life choices so that Christ can be the Lord and Master of my heart rather than
sin, selfishness, and greed. If we are only sorry for the consequences of our
sins, we will very likely keep repeating the sin that is mastering us. True
repentance requires a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17) and sorrow for sin and a
firm resolution to avoid it in the future. The Lord Jesus gives us grace to see
sin for what it really is - a rejection of his love and wisdom for our lives
and a refusal to do what is good and in accord with his will. His grace brings
pardon and help for turning away from everything that would keep us from his
love and truth.
Jesus
speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the
kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God
wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and
witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, but thanks be to God,
who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the
fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to
God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
(Servants
of the word)
Date
to Remember
Fr.
Phil’s Valentines Roast Beef Dinner and Dance
(50’s, 60’s and 70’s)
Sunday
February 18, 5pm –Cocktails - 6pm Dinner
Adults
$25, Children under 12 $10, Under 5 free
I
wish you a great week,
Fr. Phil
