· Mark 1:1–8
John the Baptist prepares people for Christ by calling them to change direction. Repentance is not vague guilt or public display. It becomes visible when truth leads to repair. Choose one obstacle that keeps love from moving freely: defensiveness, delay, an unfair habit or words left unsaid. Ask God for mercy, then make one concrete turn that another person can recognise. Let the repair be modest enough to continue.
A question to sit with
What change would make my desire for forgiveness visible?
One small step
Offer one sincere apology or correct one neglected responsibility, then choose a small practice that supports the repair.
Pray
Merciful God, straighten what has become crooked in me. Give me honesty to repent, courage to repair and hope as I begin again. Amen.
Original reflection and prayer. The Scripture reference is chosen for personal reflection and is not necessarily the day’s Mass reading.