Sunday Scripture - Reflection for January 21, 2024

Sunday Scripture - Reflection for January 21, 2024

​Scripture Reflection: January 21, 2024 -- 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jon 3:1-5, 10
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Cor 7:29-31
Mk 1:14-20

Reflecting on the readings for this Sunday, the message I received was to embrace change. Why is that so hard to do? The Ninevites were asked to repent and change their ways. They did and they were saved. In the second reading, St. Paul is tells the Corinthians that things are changing. He tells them that “the world in its present form is passing way.” Again, that’s a hard message to hear. In the Gospel, Mark tells us the story of Jesus recruiting Simon, Andrew, James and John on the seashore and asking them to leave everything behind and follow him. Leave EVERYTHING behind! Can you imagine being asked to do something like that—to change like that?

God challenges us to rethink our lives and to change. Change is hard, sometimes almost impossible. Then we hear the message of the Psalm. Ask for help! “Teach me your ways, O Lord.” Psalm 25 tells us to ask for help. “Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” Yes, change is hard, yet God tells us that it’s necessary and that He will guide us.

Gretchen Penny
Seekers Community, Houston, TX

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