The Coming of the Kingdom of God

Today's Reflections

The Coming of the Kingdom of God 

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Lk 17:20-25

²⁰Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, [Jesus] said in reply, “The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed, ²¹and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.”

²²Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. ²³There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ [or] ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. ²⁴For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be [in his day]. ²⁵But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

Reflection:

The kingdom of God is among you. How is it with us, in our midst?

First, the kingdom or reign of God refers to Jesus himself. He is God incarnate. While on earth and having a human body, Jesus remains united with the other Persons of the Blessed Trinity. There is uninterrupted communion among them. In Jesus, God’s will is done, thus God reigns perfectly.

Second, God’s kingdom is present when we follow Jesus’ teachings. When we live his teachings, we change our old ways of life, our mentality, attitudes, behavior, and values. Christ lives in us and we resemble Christ in many respects. When we are reconciled with God through Christ, we are freed from sins that block our relationship with God. When we allow Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, then God’s kingdom comes to us and is made visible.

The Gospel tells us that no earthly signs can pinpoint the coming or location of God’s kingdom. There is no exact location, for the kingdom of God does not have boundaries or limits.

Pray the Our Father and reflect on the petition:

“May your kingdom come.”