I. Scripture Reading — Mark 1:14–15 (RSV-CE)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”II. Meditation — The U-Turn
A driver missed his exit on the highway. Instead of calmly turning around, he kept driving farther, hoping another shortcut would appear. The farther he went, the more complicated the route became.
Finally, he admitted what he should have done miles ago: turn around.
Repentance is the spiritual U-turn.
When Jesus begins His public ministry, His first message is not complicated theology. It is direct and urgent:
“Repent and believe.”
Repentance is not just feeling sorry. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind, a change of direction, a complete turning of the heart.
And notice — repentance and belief go together.
We turn away from sin because we believe in Good News.
We leave darkness because we believe in light.Lent is not about shame-driven change. It is hope-driven conversion.
III. Reflection — A Daily Decision
Repentance is not a one-time event. It is daily alignment.
Each morning we choose:
Self or surrender.
Pride or humility.
Control or trust.
Sin or grace.
“The kingdom of God is at hand.”
That means God is near. Change is possible. Grace is available.
Sometimes we delay repentance because we think:
“I’ll change later.”
“I’m not that bad.”
“It’s too hard.”But Jesus says, “The time is fulfilled.”
Not tomorrow.
Not next Lent.
Now.
IV. Prayer — A Prayer for Conversion
Lord Jesus,
You proclaim that the kingdom is near. Help me live like that is true.
I confess that I sometimes delay change. I justify small sins. I cling to habits that pull me away from You. I resist surrender because I fear discomfort.
But today I choose to turn.
Give me the grace of true repentance — not shallow regret, but deep conversion. Change my thinking. Change my desires. Change my direction.
Help me believe in the Gospel — that You love me, that You died for me, that You offer forgiveness and new life.
Where I am stubborn, soften me.
Where I am confused, guide me.
Where I am divided, unify my heart.Let this Lent be a real turning point.
The time is fulfilled.
The kingdom is at hand.
I repent. I believe.Amen.
V. Action for Today
Identify one specific sin pattern to turn away from.
Replace it with a positive spiritual habit.
Write the words “Repent and Believe” somewhere visible today.
Ask the Holy Spirit for courage to change immediately.
