First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15
In today's first reading God's people have been rampant in sin, so God sends a flood to destroy all the living things he has created, except for Noah and his family (and the animals they were asked to gather up.)
God establishes a covenant with Noah. (A covenant is a promise, a sacred relationship between God and his people.) God promised Noah, that if he did as God instructed him, God would never again destroy the earth and all its creation by the waters of a flood. And God would give Noah a sign of this covenant, "I set my bow in the clouds".
The key word here to pay attention to is covenant. When God establishes a covenant (relationship) it is a two-way agreement...I will keep my promise, and you must fulfill your part of the bargain.
Responsorial Psalm: 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
God is love and truth simply put. As Christians we know this about God. Again we are reminded that we have a covenant with God. We give God thanks and praise for his loving covenant with us!
Second Reading: 1Peter 3:18-22
In today's second reading Peter tells and reminds us why Christ came...to save us from sin and lead us back into right relationship with God; to live in communion with God. Our baptism opens the door to this saving relationship but we have a integral part to play in this relationship. We are not just bystanders waiting for God to help us only in our time of need. He asks us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken, sinful world. The season of Lent reminds us of this calling.
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15
Today's gospel is short but Jesus' message is clear, "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
We were also reminded of this on Ash Wednesday...to repent and believe in the gospel.
Repent (to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.)
As Christians, we are called to repent daily, to turn away from sin. This call requires a daily examination of conscience. Did I talk to God today? Did I please God today? What did I do for God today? Was today just about me? Did I thank God today?
Jesus says to believe in the gospel. What is the gospel? What is the good news? What does this good news mean to you? Repent and believe in the gospel!