MEDITATION ON THE LUMINOUS MYSTERY: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

In the Third Luminous Mystery, Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God saying; “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus calls all of us to conversion in the same way that He called His first disciples and they immediately followed Him. He expects us to leave the things of the world behind and begin anew. Conversion, a separation from sin, is the first step in our journey to God as His disciples. Repentance or Metanoia in Greek, literally means “change of mind”, turning away from sin and walking toward God. This comes when we find ourselves humbly facing God Almighty and recognizing His Kingship and our dependence on Him, and we embrace His mercy in the Sacrament of Confession. His admonition to “believe in the gospel” is not an intellectual exercise, but deems a “fiat” to following His commandments. 

“Duc in altu

m. Put out into deep water! Throw aside the pessimism that makes a coward of you. Et laxate retia vestra in capturam. And let down your nets for a catch!” (Holy Rosary–Appendix, The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God). "The kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm (Matthew 11:12)." In the words of St. Josemaría Escrivá, “This violence is not directed against others. It is a violence used to fight your own weaknesses and miseries, a fortitude which prevents you from camouflaging your own infidelities, a boldness to own up to the faith even when the environment is hostile.” (Christ is Passing By, 82) 

During our conversion, we might receive the gift of tears or repentance “compunction,” and begin the Purgative process from sin; and as we are liberated from the chains of mortal sin, the scales of our eyes fall and we begin to see reality, and view the world as we have never seen it before. Our love affair with the living God begins, and the garden of our soul is made ready to be tilled by the Lord to make room for His visits. Pruning and pulling of weeds might for a time be painful, but this pain gives way to a unique joy, one that makes us want to share the Good News with everyone. After all, we have found the most beautiful pearl-the Way, the Truth and the Life-Jesus. God is calling, do not delay! (Rosarium Virginis Mariæ 21, John Paul II)

SOURCE: http://www.stjmod.com/