Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends,

Over the Christmas holiday I was able to finish reading the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. After completing the epic adventure story, I enjoyed reflecting upon the main character Frodo Baggins. The novel begins with an urgent invitation for Frodo to destroy an inherited ring, magical yet powerful. The task was summoned by Gandalf, a friend and wise wizard. Even though Gandalf encouraged Frodo not to delay on this quest, Frodo was reluctant to start and frequently delayed his mission.

The invitation from Gandalf, is similar to what we hear in today's gospel from Jesus' urgent message, "This is the time of fulfillment...repent and believe in the gospel." In our present day and at the start of 2024, Jesus still proclaims these words to us. This is the time to respond to him! In whatever situation you may find yourself in, Jesus says to us, "This is the time...repent...come after me..." Put aside the temptation that you will begin some other time, or that now is not convenient. Believe that repentance only leads to mercy and a new beginning! 

Without the Lord's working within us, there is no chance we will overcome ourselves and the burdens we carry. Take refuge in the reality of God dwelling in our Baptized soul, longing for us to return to Him. Hearing and responding to Jesus' call was enough for Simon Peter and Andrew to begin an entirely new way of life. Perhaps at the end of our days, like Frodo, we might be able to look back on our life and delight in the epic adventure that took place after responding to Jesus' invitation to "come after [him]." 

Anthony Quinn – CLM