3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jonah 3:1-5.10
Psalm. 24:4-9
1Corinthians  7:29-21
Mark 1:14-20

An Urgent Call To Conversion

The readings of today speak about conversion or repentance. In the first reading, the people of Nineveh repented at the proclamation of the prophet Jonah (Jonah 3:1-5.10). In the second reading, St Paul calls on the Corinthians to turn away from the things of this world, because the world as we know is passing away (1Cor. 7:29-21). The gospel reading also bears the imprint of the call to repentance. It is interesting to note that Jesus began his public ministry when John the Baptist was arrested and jailed. But the message of John and that of Jesus remained the same: repentance (Mark 1:14-20).

From the readings, two things are worth noting about conversion or repentance. First, the call to conversion is an urgent call. “Only forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed” (first reading). “Our time is growing short” says Paul. “The time has come and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” proclaims Jesus. Thus, conversion is now. It is a daily affair. One cannot say: “I will repent tomorrow.”

Second, conversion implies a twofold movement: turning away from and turning to. When the people of Nineveh heard the proclamation of the prophet Jonah, they turned away from their evil ways and turned to God. When the disciples heard Jesus’ call, they turned away from their nets and profession and turned to Jesus. They followed him.

Ask yourself what do you have to turn away from in order to turn to God? What do you do that is not compatible with the Gospel: attachment to worldly things and pleasures, double allegiance, gossip, unsincerity, etc.? Remember, the time is now. Repent and live! May God bless you!