"The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." – Mark 1:15
On this first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel reading comes from St. Mark. We hear how Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, where he was tempted by Satan, in preparation for his public ministry. He begins his public ministry by announcing a time of fulfillment and calling the people to "repent and believe in the gospel of God." Repent and believe. Those words are a major part of our Lenten journey and were likely spoken to you if you as you received ashes this past Wednesday.
The season of Lent is the perfect time to examine our spiritual journey and our relationship with God and others. It's a journey which encompasses our everyday lives, not just an hour on Sunday. We are called to love God, to love others and to repent. It sounds simple, but we know it can be difficult. Our patience is often tested, and we can become angry, jealous of others, and self-centered by putting other things before our love of God. The two phrases in repentance when you think about it are, "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you." Both are difficult to say, yet can bring great healing and peace to both parties involved.
In my time as a pastor, and occasionally as Bishop, I would often hear parents talk about the challenges they have with their children. Sometimes, they would be brought to tears as they struggle with that relationship. In all cases, the parents were willing to forgive out of love for their child, regardless of their child may have done. God has this same unconditional love for us.
Imagine God weeping for us as we stumble through life messing things up. God is our Father in heaven. He weeps for us in our sin just like a parent does for their child because he wants the best for us. Jesus wept for us and begged the father to forgive his transgressors while on the cross. "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." This Lent, let us wipe away thosetears by asking for forgiveness and by healing broken relationships with family members, friends and mostly with God.
Bishop Gregory Parkes
Did you know...
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa's banking industry.
