Repentance as the Beginning of Discipleship - September 17

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; 1 Kings 22:1-28; 1 Cor. 2:1-13; Matt. 4:18-25

I’ll be honest—I’m having trouble making sense of the world right now. The violence, the disregard for human life, the relentless stream of brokenness in the news—none of it makes sense. And this isn’t the reflection where I’m going to explain it all.

In fact, I stumbled into today’s Gospel reading almost by accident. I clicked on the wrong link and ended up reading yesterday’s passage first, where at the end, Jesus proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). Today’s reading begins immediately after that moment, with Jesus calling ordinary people—fishermen—to be his disciples (Matthew 4:18–22).  Maybe we need to include the readings for the days we skip so that you can get a fuller picture.

The two are inseparable. Repentance and discipleship always go hand in hand. Repentance isn’t about shame or guilt, but about turning, reorienting, examining ourselves honestly so that we might see the world, and ourselves, through Christ’s eyes. And discipleship isn’t about building some huge following.  I mean, Jesus called people with nets and boats, people worked and lived rather ordinary lives to be the ones who could share his vision for life.

That’s still the call today. I sure would love to blame others for the mess we are in.  And discipleship begins with repentance.  I know that I have been quick to judge, slow to forgive, and used my words in ways that didn’t build up the body of Christ.  Surprise, surprise.  I still have work to do.  I’m guessing I’m not alone in that.

When we stop, repent, and practice humility, Jesus takes ordinary people like you and me and invites us to follow. We may not be able to make sense of all the chaos around us, but we can take the next faithful step. Repent. Follow. Trust that God will use ordinary people to heal the world.  We need it more than ever, and maybe it begins with you and me and some real honest self-examination.

John+

 Questions for Self-Examination: “Where in my own life do I need to pause, repent, and reorient so that I can follow Jesus more faithfully in the ordinary, everyday places?”