“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:17)
These words are not spoken to people “outside” the faith. Jesus speaks them to believers — to those already gathered as God’s people. It is easy to look at others who do not come to Mass, who seem distant from the Church, and lament their absence. But Jesus does not encourage that lament. Instead, He invites us to look inward and ask how we ourselves must grow.
Repentance is not simply sorrow for sin. It is a call to deeper conversion — to live in right relationship with God. As St. John reminds us, this means believing in the name of Jesus and keeping His commandments: love God and love our neighbor. Not merely tolerate — love.
If our world and our city are to know Christ’s peace, conversion must begin with us. As this new year unfolds, may we allow His light to reveal where our hearts still need renewal.
Living in Love with God 
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