"THE WORLD IN ITS PRESENT FORM IS PASSING AWAY"

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR B.
January 25, 2009.
(First reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10) (Psalm 25:4-9)
(Second reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31) (Gospel: Mark 1:14-20)


"THE WORLD IN ITS PRESENT
FORM IS PASSING AWAY".

Saint Paul says: "the world in its present form is passing away" (1 Cor 7:31)

And, what is the world's "present form"?:
A world with no peace nor unity, a world where many human beings live in abject poverty, a world divided by opposing interests.

When Jesus proclaims the arrival of "the time of fulfillment" and that "the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15) he is proclaiming the transformation of the world's present form into a world of peace, justice, equality and unity among all human beings.

Jesus calls us to bring an end to the world in its present form and to build his Kingdom.
Just as Peter, Andrew, John and James, simple fishermen, responded to Jesus' call and were transformed into "fishers of men" (Mark 1:17), so can we also be transformed into "fishers of men", bring and end to the world in its present form and build the Kingdom of God:
- The transformation of those who administer the wealth of the world. They can transform themselves into "fishers of men" by working tirelessly so that every human being can produce and enjoys the economic goods.

- The transformation of those who run the political institutions of the world. They can transform themselves into "fishers of men" by governing in order to fulfill the common good and to bring about justice and peace for all.

- The transformation of those who guide the spiritual life of the people. They can transform themselves into "fishers of men" by addressing the totality of needs of human beings; human beings made of "body" and "soul", not just "soul".

As difficult as it may seem, the task of transforming our world (he task of making "the world in its present form" pass away), must begin now, for, as Jesus says, "this is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel".

We must act on our responsibility to transform our world or suffer the consequences of Jonah's warning: "Forty days more and Niniveth shall be destroyed" (Jonah 3:4). Today is the time for our world to imitate the inhabitants of Niniveth: They decided to transform themselves, and Niniveth was not destroyed.