Deep Calls to Deep The Baptism of the Lord – Repentance & Elvis’ Birthday…
Now that I have your attention…
I found new delight in today’s feast, The Baptism of the Lord. I found it a grand second chance to reflect on the meanings networked together at the beginning of the gospel of Mark, especially the meaning of repentance.
It’s interesting how dictionary.com defines repentance. Check out the verbs below. They mainly have to do with my feeling sorry or contrite. Somewhat to do with changing one’s life for the better.
1. to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of):
He repented after his thoughtless act.
2. to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for better; be penitent.
3. to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition:
to repent one’s injustice to another.
4. to feel sorry for; regret: to repent an imprudent act.
Check out the beginning of Marks’ gospel:
John witnessed to Jesus & baptized him. “On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
THEN, the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness to be tempted. His message when he returned from the wilderness was, “Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand!”
What does repentance mean here? It means, “Turn from your small worlds and hear God telling you, ‘You are my beloved daughter, my beloved son! Repent!”
Oh, and happy birthday, Elvis!
Deep Calls to Deep 
2 Comments
Roc – I have a question for you
Sunday in the Octave this year. Gospel. Simeon sees Jesus and speaks.
Gospel next says “the mother and father were amazed at what he said.”
Huh? Bad translation?
I know “amazed” can mean a lot. And if they were amazed THAT he said it, I could buy that.
But we are told in the Annunciation that this 16 year old unmarried girl who “never knew man” was told by an angel that she would conceive the son of god and deliver him – ……and that she accepted that.
So how could she be amazed at WHAT he said?
Words have meaning.
Non sequitor.
Sent from my iPhone
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Let me check that out, Roy. It all depends upon the Greek verb used. Since both gospels come from Luke, there should be some consistency in the meaning. Back at you! –roc,sj
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