We are already turning

The word repent means to turn and go another way.

In Mark, we see that repentance is the driver of Jesus’s ministry and the very mantle he takes up from John the Baptizer. It is also what Jesus demonstrates in Mark 8, when he rebukes Peter for getting between him and God’s mission.

Repentance is a tricky word.

We might be tempted to relegate it to street corners where all together too many people preach separation and condemnation. But that is a terrible idea, albeit an understandable one.

We are called to turn toward God. To follow God’s command. To change direction when we’re off track. Which, despite the rigid insistence of these would-be prophets, is something we’re already doing.