Penance III

In the synoptic gospels, the account of Jesus’ public ministry begins with a description of John the Baptist calling the people to repent in preparation for the coming of God’s Kingdom. The austerity of John’s life bore witness to his message. Saint Matthew tells us:

In those days John the Baptizer appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said, “A voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him. They were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. (Mt. 3.1-12)

The Synoptics describe Jesus’ basic message in very much the same terms, but with the important addition that one must also believe in “the gospel,” the good news. The good news is precisely God’s mercy and love shown in the words and deeds of Jesus.

After John’s arrest, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand! Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mk. 1.15)

The Greek word translated here by “repent” is “metanoiete.” Its root meaning is to “change one’s mind,” in the sense of changing one’s basic attitude, and thus one’s life. It can also be translated “reform one’s life.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching