From the Word of the Day
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1: 15
How should we live this Word 
Today’s Liturgy is related to Christmas, still so fresh in our minds, by proclaiming the ‘why’ of the Incarnation. Jesus was recognized at His birth by some simple and wise persons open to the breath of the Spirit: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, the Magi. Now, after the arrest of John the Baptist comes the moment to announce publically His mission for the world. “This is the time of fulfillment,” the time long awaited is over. The reign of God is present. Jesus realizes the New Covenant between God and humanity, the Covenant that will be ratified in His own blood and through which all are saved and become heirs of the Kingdom. In order to gain possession of the inheritance, we must be converted and believe, not in something, but in Jesus, the Son of God. He is the Gospel, the Good News for everyone. The present time is the one established by God for the salvation of this generation, of my salvation. Today I am invited to become a new person!
Today in my pause for silent contemplation, I will be consoled by the fact that the Kingdom is not a hoped for future but is a reality today! The reign of God, a reign of truth, love, trust, justice, peace, fraternity, eternal life is already here now. Jesus overcame evil once and for all. It is up to us Christians to live what the Incarnation has revealed.
Lord Jesus, Son of the living God, I entrust myself to you who speak to me and call me to love You more and more, living my life with You and in You. Help me to accept Your Gospel as a personal message for me. Amen!
The voice of St. Gregory Nazianzen, Doctor of the Church
Purify yourselves entirely and proceed in this purity. There is nothing more that God rejoices over than the conversion and salvation of humanity. For us, all the divine words have been pronounced and all the mysteries of revelation have been fulfilled.
