THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Do We Believe?

God calls us, directs us, commands us. Do we hear Him? Do we listen?

In this world, which is so busy and loud it can be hard to hear God's will for us unless we truly give Him time … and listen.

We hear in the second reading today, “This world in its present form is passing away.” Yet, it is hard to believe that when we experience natural disasters, see the suffering of so many and hear about wars. I personally and alone can do nothing to stop natural disasters, alleviate suffering, or end war. And neither can God without our belief and action.

God calls us, directs us, commands us just as He did Jonah and the Apostles. We, too, are His Disciples and God is telling us through Mark's gospel, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe.” This is the time, right now, to show that we truly believe all that has been revealed. Each of us is called to bear witness to God's goodness, love and mercy. Ask yourself, where is God in your life? 

For me, God has always had a place in my heart, but it was not always first in my way of living. I now believe and am striving to place God first in how I live and interact with others in the world. It is not always easy, but fortunately God is very forgiving. I can testify that when I succeed, I experience so much peace and love in my heart.

Now is the time. We are called, directed and commanded by God to participate, to cooperate with bringing the Kingdom of God to this world.

Do you believe?

–Jennifer Peña

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.