In the Gospel, Jesus begins his public life much like the way John the
Baptist did. He calls on all to repent for the kingdom of God is at
hand. Later, Jesus will say that the kingdom of God is within us. We
must turn our lives around, give up our sins.

When we completely accept God’s reign over our lives, we share in His
kingdom. Yes, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The kingdom over which
Jesus rules is not a plot of land bounded by the ocean or mountains or
artificial political lines. Jesus’ kingdom is found in the hearts and
minds of those who repent and believe.

If we listen to God’s word, not only with our ears but also with our
hearts, the good news found there will become part of our everyday
living. As we follow Jesus and work to love and serve one another in
his name, we help to draw more people to Jesus. In this way we all
play a part in building up the Kingdom of God here on earth.