Here is part of today’s Gospel, from St Matthew: ‘Now when [Jesus] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”’

The repentance that Jesus asks for is a complete change of mind and heart, a ‘turning around’ of our whole being, towards himself and the kingdom of heaven. ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock’, He says elsewhere. Let us be ready to welcome Him with open arms and an open heart. May God bless you this day.