Sunday after Theophany, Tone 6; the Holy Martyr Tatiana
Read
Ephesians 4:7-13; Matthew 4:12-17
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus had been baptized by his cousin John, in the Jordan, and then he went to pray and fast in the desert for 40 days. He was even tempted by Satan (see yesterday’s Gospel reading). Jesus’ first word in his public ministry was “Repent.” It is the same word that John spoke. If the Forerunner of the Messiah spoke of repentance, and the Messiah spoke of repentance, then repentance must be pretty important for the disciples of the Messiah!
Repentance is a change. It is a change of mind, and change of behaviour, and a change of heart. It is a turning to the Lord and at the same time a turning away from sin. The first time we discover repentance in our life, we are filled with enthusiasm in our faith, in our following the Lord. As time goes on, and we discover that being a disciple of Jesus is hard, it demands time and intentionality on our part, the enthusiasm of faith wanes. But this is not God’s plan for us. He desires that we constantly live in repentance; not a one-time turning to the Lord and away from sin… no, no, no… it is a constant turning to the Lord and away from sin. When we allow the Lord to move in our lives, give Him permission, then our faith becomes zealous, on fire! And then we will glow with His radiant light shining on those about us who sit is darkness.
If your faith has waned, give repentance another go – the kingdom of God is at hand!