The Kingdom of God Will Come
We often read about some far off day in the Bible when everything will be wonderful on earth. The New Jerusalem (Zion) will exist, God’s love will blossom, and those who are alive during this time will experience total and complete bliss. All nations of the world will praise God and love will be everywhere – what an amazing promise God has given us. So my question is this – can we experience such happiness now? After all, Jesus told us that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:15 (RSVCE)
So if the Kingdom of God is truly at hand, and it indeed is my friends, then how can we experience the beauty that accompanies such a kingdom? After all, looking around the world we do see individuals living a genuinely happy life. However, we simultaneously witness individuals experiencing pain and heartache. To answer this question we have to understand our role in the Kingdom of God and we must participate in his plan for humanity. Our first reading reveals to us vital information on this note.
God’s Way
Thus says the Lord:
“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.
Blessed is the man who does this,
and the son of man who holds it fast,
who keeps the sabbath, not profaning it,
and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” – Isaiah 56:1-3 (RSVCE)
Here Isaiah delivered God’s message to us – the Kingdom of God, along with his salvation, will soon come and his deliverance will be revealed. And remember, Jesus also told us that God’s Kingdom is at hand – it is right here. All we need to do is keep his Sabbath holy and stay away from doing evil. Once we accomplish these two things we create the space for all of the bliss and happiness we could ever desire to usher into our lives and the world. However, we must take the steps necessary, because after all God gave us free will.
Doing Our Part
Now, there are people in this world who do keep God’s Sabbath holy and remain free of evil doing each and every day – they experience the Kingdom of God on earth right now. These individuals are our living saints, and we are all called into sainthood my friends. However, sadly, there are people in this world who do evil and work against the Kingdom of God. Most of us are somewhere in the middle; we do good and yet, we also do wrong. So what actions can we, those of us who are still a saint-in-the-making, take to work with God so that the earth will become filled with his goodness. After all, we pray that the Kingdom of God come each and every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer – “… Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
Doing our part requires that we heal that parts of ourselves that cause us to work against God’s plan – pretty simple huh. As Catholics we have an abundance of vehicles available to use that will assist us on our journey towards saintly perfection – the Mass, the Sacraments, the Rosary, novenas, and the many ministries available to us through our church – the list goes on and on. I so love being Catholic!
Doing Good Works
In today’s Gospel Jesus points out that his works were exclusively meant to reveal to the world that he indeed came on the Father’s behalf. Further, he did the works that his Father had given him to do. Translation – his works were meant to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth. And what is it that Jesus did while on earth? Well, he healed multitudes, he preached, and he loved the people. In a nut shell, Jesus revealed to the whole earth who the real, living God is. Of course Jesus, being God made man, was a little different than us – we have human limitations. But remember, Jesus also told us that we too will do great works like he did.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it” – John 14:12-14 (RSVCE)
Starting With Love
You see, God continually gives us works to do too as well. He desires to work through us so that the Kingdom of God can manifest on earth “soon.” So what can we do to work with God so that all nations will know and praise him? I believe in starting small, starting with today, starting with this moment in time. Start by filling your heart with love by looking at the single moments in your life. When love enters into your heart you participate in building God’s Kingdom. When love fills your heart you naturally keep the Sabbath holy, you keep from evildoing, and you do good works like Jesus. You will do great things in the eyes of God my friend when you allow love into your heart.
Self-Talk
Sometimes the little voices in our heads are not congruent with doing good and allowing love in – at least I know mine are not always. Sometimes we think thoughts that are not loving. Given this let’s start small with our thoughts – remember, little, like a mustard seed. Whether you are thinking good thoughts, or you are thinking thoughts that aren’t so good, I invite you to turn to prayer often throughout the day. This small action will allow God to transform your heart and expand its ability to love more. The prayer can be simple – even telling Jesus you are thankful and you love him is a beautiful “mustard seed” offering. Once all of our hearts are transformed by love God’s salvation will blanket the earth and the Kingdom of God will indeed come soon.
Want to Learn More?
If you would like to practice a simple little meditation during those moments when you are feeling a bit disconnected from your inner saint I invite you to read a page on my website where I share my “I Am Love” Meditation. Here is a link: I Am Love
We can all enjoy life when we pray more. Through our prayer we will all receive the abundant blessings God has for us – yet, we must choose him my friends.
I hope you find your way home towards the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ – the one who is love himself. May you speak and think words of love, forgiveness and mercy as you sing and praise of God’s glory! – Carolyn
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Mother Mary – pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist – pray for us.
Today’s Readings Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8; Psalm 67: 2-3,5,7-8; John 5:33-36
My Book
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