In Mark's gospel there are four elements to the mission of Jesus, as he emerges from his testing in the desert: "the time is fulfilled" - the prophecy and message of what we know as the Old Testament is coming to fruition. God has not forgotten his people, who labour under Roman oppression, rather this is the time for salvation. St Paul later writes: "See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor 6: 2); "and the kingdom of God has come near" - the reign of God promised in which sins will be forgiven is breaking into our reality. It has not fully been revealed but the power of God is here to free people from the power of evil: "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you." (Lk 11: 20) and "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rm 14: 17); "repent" - turn around, open your eyes, open your ears and see who Jesus is so that you may change your ways and be ready to welcome the Messiah into your life: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather the wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." (Mtt 3: 11-12); "and believe in the good news" - the opening of your hearts will enable you to believe that Jesus is the Good News both in his words and deeds: "He has sent me to proclaim release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." (Lk 4: 18-19). This message is as valid for us now as it was for the people listening to Jesus or in St Mark's community. Lent is the season to turn again to God and invite his liberating power into our lives.
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