Por Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB

The effort to live closer to God on earth and thus attain eternal salvation with Him in heaven begins with our decision to keep whatever is displeasing to God out of our lives. Hence, when Jesus began preaching, He did so by proclaiming, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.” The desire to be holy, to live consistently in ways pleasing to God, and thus share God’s life and holiness now and forever bids us to separate ourselves from Sin, to repent.

Amos of Judah in the first reading today was sent by God to northern kingdom of Israel exactly because they needed to abandon their separation from God. Many were contaminated by paganism they had learned while in long captivity. Now they wanted Amos out of their kingdom. They were just like some of us who don’t want to be bothered by hearing how God prefers us to live, innocently and undefiled. Note that God took the first step with Israel. He has also taken the first step with us. Heaven stands wide open through Jesus. Attaining it begins by turning away from sin.

St. Paul is most direct in telling the Christian community at Ephesus (and us) what being chosen people of God means. First, He wants us to always be aware that being chosen by God for salvation is a huge privilege. God has destined us for salvation, and then he watches and awaits our consent. In Paul’s words, God wants his chosen “to be holy and without blemish.” God challenges us, but He doesn’t expect us to do it alone. We imitate Christ and receive his help. Should we fall, Christ’s power to forgive reenables us.

In Chapter Six of Mark’s Gospel Jesus decided to leave the Lake and return to His home village. His townsfolks could not bring themselves to believe in Him, and He began journeying to surrounding villages. He called the apostles and commissioned them to go off in pairs to preach and to keep that mission as their primary concern. Nothing should distract them. And at Jesus’ command, “They went and preached repentance,” driving out demons and healing the sick. Similarly, we must preach to ourselves, “Repent!” Leave slavery to Satan and sin. Chosen of God, rejoice in new-found freedom.

“The Lord is at my side. He is my Help!”  (Ps 118)