Think of someone turning away from God, like the prodigal son leaving his father in Jesus’ parable. When they realize their error and return to God, that’s repentance.
As we use the lectionary to pray about repentance today, let’s consider the areas in our lives where we need to turn back to Him.
Full Lectionary Reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030325.cfm
Reading 1 – Sirach 17:20-24
Reflecting the father’s loving embrace of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), God receives those who repent, welcoming them as though from death to life.
Yet to those who repent he grants a return,
and he encourages those who are losing hope. (Sirach 17:24)
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
When the prodigal son was in the far country, he knew that confession of his wrongs to his father was in order.
No one who conceals transgressions will prosper,
but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
“Confession is the knocking to which the door opens, the seeking that finds, the asking that receives. Confession of sin to God is a confession of faith in God” (James L. Mays).
Repentance is the act of returning to God. Having returned, we experience the blessings of forgiveness and protection in His presence.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:5, 7)
Alleluia – 2 Corinthians 8:9
There is no greater blessing than forgiveness and God’s presence. This is the result of His mercy and our repentance.
For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Gospel – Mark 10:17-27
When a rich young man sought to follow Jesus, Jesus identified the man’s obstacle: his wealth. After Jesus’s explanation, the disciples asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’
Jesus responded with a truth that encourages us today: salvation is impossible for humans, but possible with God, as we bring our confession and repentance to Him.
Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed the renewal of God’s promise and covenant to Abraham, which occurred after Abraham demonstrated his faithfulness to God with Isaac on Mount Moriah.
Real Voices 