Mary, Holy Mother of God (1st January 2023)

Reflection

The imagery of fishermen is often used in literature that is promoting vocation to the religious life. ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people’ (Matthew 4:19). Jesus proclaimed: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ (4:17), and that ‘mission statement’ echoes what John the Baptist had already proclaimed (3:2).

In the Old Testament, repentance generally leads to salvation, and brings forgiveness of sins. Among some Christian Churches since the Reformation, there has been a strong emphasis on repentance in their teachings. Beyond the Judeo-Christian traditions, the preaching of repentance is also prominent in other world religions especially in Islam and Buddhism.

In some cases, it is not only individuals who repent; repentance can also involve the whole community or the whole nation. The issues concerned, past or present, may necessitate a collective response.