Repent of your independence from God.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4: 17).

Monday 6 January 2020 in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St André Bessette (1845 - 1937). André Bessette is a Religious Brother, born near Quebec in Canada and lived out his life in the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal. The life of St André Bessette confirms that holiness attracts. Although St André performed only humble tasks assigned to him, the sick and the poor flocked to his cell. He committed them to the care of St Joseph the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and through the intercession of St Joseph obtained numerous miracles for the people.

In the very first week of 2020, Jesus urged us: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4: 17).

What are we to repent of?

"First and foremost, it is a realization of who we are. We are created by God; we are creatures of God who are totally dependent on him. We are the “anawim,” the poor people of the Lord, the little people who know that they are totally dependent, who “lean” on God, ­knowing that without God they can do nothing.
This is the first step to prayer—to know who we are: saved sinners, entirely dependent on God. We are ­dependent. To the proud, this is anathema. We look at ourselves and we say, “I depend on no one.” (Servant of God Catherine de Hueck Doherty).

We are to repent of our foolish pride and nonsensical idea of independence and self-sufficiency.

"The child of God can fear no ill,
His chosen dread no foe;
We leave our fate with thee, and wait Thy bidding when to go.
‘Tis not from chance our comfort springs, Thou art our trust, O King of kings." (Liturgy of the Hours: #52 Lauds Hymn).

The comforts we enjoy are not from Chance but from God's gracious ordaining. (Cf 2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 4).

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4: 17).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com