Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 

For us, the kingdom of Heaven is always at hand. Jesus made sure of that through his life, death, and resurrection and so he constantly asks us to repent of our sins. He teaches us the truths of how to live a Christ-like life and shows us how to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom to all we meet. He gives us an example of charity and love, especially towards those who are in most need of God’s Mercy. He does all these things in hopes that one day we will accept his call to repentance, become his devoted followers, and live lives that shine with the lights of faith, hope, and love. We cannot do these things if we do not recognize our sinfulness, seek out God’s forgiveness with contrite hearts, and do penance for what we have done and failed to do. So let us repent and seek the merciful heart of Jesus in our prayers and through the sacraments.

Are we repentant of our sins? Do we listen to the teachings of Jesus and follow them in spite of what they might require from us? Do we proclaim the Kingdom through our every thought, word, and work?

O Lord, we are repentant, grant us your healing mercy.

Amen.