THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

[cappie]

Australia Day is a time for us as followers of Jesus Christ, in the midst of the transformation affecting our culture and society, to rededicate ourselves to Christian living. It is a time for us to proclaim once again the Gospel message to a people hungry for meaning and direction.

In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us clear directives about our past, our present, and our future. Jesus tells us what we are to look for, what we are to listen to, and what we must value above all else.

First, the past — clear and simple, unambiguous and direct, Jesus says it this way: “Repent.” Repent — for we are all sinners, we have  all failed to live up to our true calling, we have made mistakes, have fallen down. And Jesus says, “Get up and try again.” Repent. We are forgiven, loved, and free. And so repent, turn around try again to hear God’s voice.

 We all of us make choices, and frequently we make poor ones.  So, repent.

And that will bring us to the present:  Jesus lived among us, to proclaim that God’s mercy, justice, and love are already here — manifest, in this place, now.

This is not to deny the sometimes-painful realities of our world. This is to say we are all of us sinners, and that we can make a choice whether to dwell on life’s problems or to look for life’s opportunities.  So, look around for signs of the kingdom, here and now.

And as for the future: Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” We are called to bring the light of lights into the world, to proclaim to all people the Good News of salvation, to make known the glory of God’s works.

 When we follow Jesus, we acknowledge and admit that we are wonderfully made, that God’s works are wonderful, and that we know this very well. It’s like suddenly noticing a light that has been burning all along, for the only thing that changes is our attitude, our perception, our choice.

So—this is the charge to us today: “Let it shine.” Repent, and it will shine. Look for signs that the kingdom that has drawn near, and it will shine. Follow Christ, and it will shine.

 Pray simply, repenting of your past mistakes. Pray simply, proclaiming that the kingdom of God has drawn near. Pray simply, promising, “Yes, Lord, we will follow you.”

So, how can we put this into action? Simple, just ask yourself these three simple questions:

1.Am I a sinner? If your answer isn’t “yes,” you are lying — to yourself, to others, and to God.

2.Do I want to change? If you answer isn’t “yes,” you need help — the kind of help that is offered at the holy table of God.

3.And, do I believe? — truly and earnestly believe in my heart of hearts — that God’s kingdom has drawn near? If your answer isn’t “yes,” you are exactly like all the rest of us, everyone here — skeptical that God could love us so much as to allow us to make such important choices.

Make the choices

Choose to repent of past sins, that’s not a commandment, that’s an invitation.  

Look around us for the kingdom: that’s  a matter of noticing what has already been accomplished. If you don’t know where to look, then search, and you will find.

And follow Jesus: that’s not a quick fix to all life’s problems, but a promise that walking in the way of the cross will fling wide the gates of heaven. Knock, and it will be opened for you.

Repent. Look for the signs around us. And follow Jesus. For God’s grace did invite us, and God’s love shall unite us — to work for the kingdom and answer our call. Today we celebrate our democratic nation’s festival of freedom

We go forward, as the pilgrim people of God, following Jesus the way the truth and the life. We go forward in the certainty that his truth will set us free, and our strength comes from his Word and Sacraments.