The first week of the liturgical year begins today. Appropriately, the Gospel reading is taken from the earliest of the four Gospels wherein Jesus marks the start of His mission on earth with this declaration: "The time has come and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, believe the Good News." Consider the implication of each part of Jesus' mission statement.

"The time has come" means that the mission begins at the time determined by God; not earlier, not later but only after John the Baptist's arrest. "The kingdom of God is close at hand" heralds the imminent arrival of God's reign on earth; a reign unlike that of earthly kingdoms where the king sits on the throne of power. Instead, this king comes as the Good Shepherd to tend to His flock, empowering it with faith, hope and charity. "Repent and believe the Good News" invites all who believe in Jesus to turn away from sin and adhere to the Good News of salvation. This is a departure from their blind following of the Law and the Prophets, which neither liberates nor gives joy to the people. The Good News is precisely good because it leads them to a meaningful and joyful life in accordance with God's Will.

The same invitation is given us today: the time has come for a new beginning in a new year to live as people of God, temple of the Holy Spirit and Body of Christ!