Repentance and Freedom

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time "But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"  Strong words from Jesus in our Gospel today - very strong words.  Repentance is turning toward God and admitting our sins...and it's not easy for us as humans.  We're sinners.  That's not meant to be depressing, but freeing.  We are sinners, we've messed up, and Jesus came to free us from our sins, to take that weight off of our shoulders so that we can get on living.  Jesus tells us today that this path to freedom, however, starts with repentance - turning toward God, admitting our mistakes, and allowing His forgiveness to enter our lives and lift us up.